Reeves’ ‘Moment,’ Fleck’s Surprise

There wasn’t much doubt that one of the three female nominees would take the jazz vocal category. And Dianne Reeves’ win for “In the Moment: Live in Concert” may have had a lot to do with the sheer energy she generates in her live performances.

If there was a surprise, it was the selection of Bela Fleck in the contemporary album category, his eclectic style a departure from the smooth approach that usually takes this Grammy.

It’s hard to argue with the selections in the instrumental solo and instrumental album groupings.

Pat Metheny’s choice in the former category, though much deserved, was his fourth award, while Kenny Barron, Terence Blanchard or Keith Jarrett still await their first.

The same holds true in the album category, in which Branford Marsalis, who won, and Michael Brecker, who was nominated, now own eight Grammys between them, while the other nominees--Barron, Dave Holland and Martial Solal--have none.

In the talent-laden large jazz ensemble category, none deserved the award more than Joe Lovano.

In the Latin jazz album category, Chucho Valdes’ win was predictable, but the grouping’s greatest artistic achievements were provided by the albums of Danilo Perez and David Sanchez.