FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT THE TEXAS MUSIC OFFICE:
Contact: Casey Monahan, Texas Music Office, Governor’s Office (512) 463-6666

For a list of all nominees, please visit: http://www.grammy.com/nominees

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences 53rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards

For recordings released during the Eligibility Year September 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.
Compiled by Casey Monahan, Stephen Ray, Amber LaFrance, Katelyn Orr, and Ambika Singh

Arcade Fire (The Woodlands)
-Album of the Year for The Suburbs (Merge)
-Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Ready to Start (Merge)
-Best Alternative Music Album for The Suburbs (Merge)

ARS Lyrica Houston (Houston)
-Best Opera Recording for Hasse: Marc’ Antonio E Cleopatra (Dorian Sono Luminus)

Devendra Banhart (Houston)
-Best Recording Package for What Will We Be (with Jon Beasley) (Warner Bros.)

Joseph Banowetz (Denton)
-Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra) for Kletzki: Piano Concerto In D Minor, Op. 22 (Naxos)

John Beasley (Denton)
-Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual of Group for Positootly! (Resonance)

Beyoncé (Houston)
-Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Halo(Live) (Columbia/Music World Music)
-Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for Telephone (with Lady GaGa) (Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope)

Ryan Bingham (Austin)
-Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for The Weary Kind with T Bone Burnett (New West)

Carol Burnett (San Antonio)
-Best Spoken Word Album for This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection (Random House Audio)

T Bone Burnett (Fort Worth)
-Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for Crazy Heart (New West)
-Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for The Weary Kind with Ryan Bingham (New West)

Guy Clark (Monahans)
-Best Contemporary Folk Album for Somedays the Song Writes You (Dualtone)

James Cotton (Austin)
-Best Traditional Blues Album for Giant (Alligator)

David Crowder Band (Waco)
-Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for Church Music (Sparrow/Sixsteprecords)

Steve Earle (San Antonio)
-Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for This City (Geffen)

Roky Erickson with Okkervil River (Austin)
-Best Album Notes for True Love Cast Out All Evil (ANTI-)

Patty Griffin (Austin)
-Best Traditional Gospel Album for Downtown Church (Credential Recordings)

El Güero Y Su Banda Centenario (San Antonio)
-Best Banda Album for Enamórate De Mí (A.R.C. Discos)

Grupo Fantasma (Austin)
-Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album for El Existential (Nat Geo Music)

Ty Herndon (Dallas)
-Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Journey On (FUNL Music)

Sara Hickman (Austin)
- Best Spoken Word Album for Children Healthy Food For Thought: Good Enough To Eat
(Hickman contributed two selections) (East Coast Recording Company)

Buddy Holly (Lubbock)
-Best Historical Album for Not Fade Away: The Complete Studio Recordings and More (Ume/Hip-O Select/Geffen)

Intocable (Zapata)
-Best Norteño Album for Classic (Sony Music Latin)

Israel Houghton (Houston)
-Best Gospel Performance for You Hold My World (Integrity Music)
-Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Love God, Love People (Integrity Music)

Jewel (Stephenville)
-Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Satisfied (The Valory Music Company)

Norah Jones (Dallas)
-Best Female Vocal Pop Performance for Chasing Pirates (Blue Note)

Miranda Lambert (Lindale)
-Song of the Year for The House That Built Me (Columbia)
-Best Female Country Vocal Performance for The House That Built Me (Columbia)
-Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for Bad Angel (with Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson) (Capitol Records Nashville)
-Best Country Song for The House That Built Me (Columbia)
-Best Country Album for Revolution (Columbia)

Lecrae (Dallas)
-Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for Rehab (Reach)

Little Joe Y La Familia (Temple)
-Best Tejano Album for Recuerdos (TDI)

Alan Lomax (Austin)
-Best Album Notes for Alan Lomax in Haiti: Recordings for the Library of Congress, 1936-1937 (Harte Recordings)
-Best Historical Album for Alan Lomax in Haiti: Recordings for the Library of Congress, 1936-1937 (Harte Recordings)

Johnny Mathis (Gilmer)
-Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Let It Be Me: Mathis in Nashville (Columbia)

Juan P. Moreno (Houston)
-Best Tejano Album for Sabes Bien (Q-Vo)

Willie Nelson (Austin)
-Best Americana Album for Country Music (Rounder)

Pinetop Perkins (Austin)
-Best Traditional Blues Album for Joined at the Hip (with Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith) (Telarc)

Joe Posada (San Antonio)
-Best Tejano Album for In The Pocket (Baby Dude)

LeAnn Rimes (Dallas)
-Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Swingin (Curb)

Poncho Sanchez (Laredo)
-Best Latin Jazz Album for Psychedelic Blues (Concord Picante)

Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso (San Antonio)
-Best Tejano Album for Homenaje A Mi Padre (Solstice)

Allen Shamblin (Austin)
-Song of the Year for The House That Built Me with Tom Douglas (Columbia)
-Best Country Song for The House That Built Me with Tom Douglas (Columbia)

Esperanza Spalding (Austin)
-Best New Artist

George Strait (San Antonio)
-Best Country Song for The Breath You Take (MCA Nashville)

Chris Tomlin (Austin)
-Best Gospel Song for Our God (Sparrow)

Tortilla Factory (Austin)
-Best Tejano Album for Cookin (Tortilla)

Jimmie Vaughan (Austin)
-Best Traditional Blues Album for Plays Blues Ballads and Favorites (Shout! Factory)

Cedric Watson et Bijou Créole (San Felipe)
-Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album for Creole Moon: Live At The Blue Moon Saloon (Valcour)

Kirk Whalum (Houston)
-Best Pop Instrumental Album for Everything is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)
-Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for We’re Still Friends (with Musiq Soulchild) (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)
-Best Gospel Performance for He’s Just Been That Good (with Lalah Hathaway) (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)
-Best Gospel Song for It’s What I Do (with Lalah Hathaway) (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Casey Monahan, Director
Texas Music Office, Governor’s Office
(512) 463-6666
music@governor.state.tx.us
http://EnjoyTexasMusic.com/

For more information about the Texas Chapter of the Grammys,
please visit http://www.grammy365.com/chapters/texas-chapter/

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NOMINEES – YOU MAKE TEXAS MUSIC PROUD!!

HillTrax Studio is a privately owned full-service recording facility with high quality equipment geared primarily towards the singer/songwriter project. The staff at HillTrax Studio is focused on getting the ultimate, personalized sound that suits every individual project, from the singer/songwriter to a full band project.

Exceptional service (including help from experienced professional musicians with arrangement and writing input as well as professional advice on recording and mastering techniques from the Chief Engineer throughout the whole project) and customer satisfaction rank on the same level as affordability. The friendly people at HillTrax understand the needs of today’s musicians and their low overhead approach is geared towards an unparalleled return on your investment. They are able to help you through the whole process including writing, arranging, recording, mixing, mastering and reproduction of your finished project.

HillTrax Studio has recorded, mixed, mastered and released several projects (i.e. Bri Bagwell, Shane Barnhill, Neil Austin Imber, Micah Sims, etc.) and is looking forward to partnering with you on your next artistic endeavor. No matter how big or small your project, you can rest assured that you will get the ‘preferred’ treatment at HillTrax Studio.

Click here for more detailed information (incl. studio gear list).

Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce the expansion of our roster with the addition of Frances Jurek, trumpeter. Frances’ crystal clear sound and attention to detail marks each of her performances, whether as a soloist, in a small ensemble, or in an orchestra. Frances has many years of performance experience, and has both her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Masters Degree in Music. She has studied trumpet with John Harbaugh, Rachel Epley, and Dr. Karl Sievers, among others.

Besides her classical work, Frances also enjoys jazz, having performed around the United States at the University of North Texas Jazz Festival, Wichita Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, and the Festival of the States in Washington, D.C. In addition, Frances performed with the Borealis Brass in Rome, Italy, as part of the Fondazione Adkins Chiti: Donne in Musica. She has achieved success as a private instructor, master class clinician, and performer. In addition to her solo and small ensemble work, Frances is a member of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra. She performs regularly in and around the Greater Houston area.

For a special touch at your next event, why not call on Frances and her trumpet? You’ll be glad you did!

Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce the expansion of our roster with the addition of Cooper Wade, country singer and songwriter. Cooper’s ability to interact with a crowd is a testament to his years of performing in both the classical and popular worlds.

Cooper went to college on a percussion scholarship, earning a Bachelor’s Degree of Music in Percussion with a minor in Piano and Voice. He loves being on stage and is not afraid to incorporate a variety of instruments into his show. His most recent addition is a studio size marimba, which he introduced during a performance of Jimmy Buffet’s smash hit “Margaritaville” at Mo’s Place in Katy, Texas.

Cooper’s shows are high energy and encapsulate music from the more traditional side of country to the Texas music scene to his original compositions. His first-rate band, Unclaimed Freight, is made up of musicians who are capable of playing anything he throws at them, including the occasional rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to the delight of his youngest audience members.

The news just keeps getting sweeter for country singer/songwriter Dixie Trahan. One of six finalists who recently made the ballot for the annual Houston Press Music Awards in the “Country” category, she is living the dream that began when she was a child.

Growing up surrounded by top-notch musicians, Dixie and her family traveled around the United States and Canada, sharing their music with fans from coast to coast. They had a show in Branson, Missouri for a year, and Dixie was featured on several record albums, becoming a seasoned music industry veteran by the age of twenty.

In 2006, Dixie traveled to Nashville to record her self-titled debut album – a charming, yet polished collection of songs that showcase her vocal prowess. Most often compared vocally to Alison Krauss, Dixie has been carving out her own niche in the Texas music scene. She has been interviewed most recently for the Houston Chronicle and OnlyKaty. Besides her amazing voice, Dixie’s friendly, girl-next-door personality captivates everyone she meets.

When asked what her future holds, Dixie replies: “I’d love to have a mega-hit someday, who wouldn’t? But as long as I’m able to do what I love and love what I do, I’m a happy girl!”

To hear samples of Dixie’s music, please click here.

To book Dixie, please visit our contact us page.

To vote for Dixie in the Houston Press Music Awards, please click here.

Sweetgrass Talent is pleased to announce that Danielle Reich, jazz singer extraordinaire, has joined our family of fine artists. Danielle’s sultry voice is a welcome addition to the Sweetgrass family, extending our roster into the fascinating world of jazz.

Danielle has a degree in classical vocal performance from the University of Florida. This training shows in her performance technique – her phrasing, intonation, and enunciation are impeccable. She has worked with some of the finest jazz musicians in Houston, honing and perfecting her skills as she goes along. She is frequently described as having the “authentic sound of a 1930s and 40s era singer.”

Her songs include favorites made famous by Leonard Cohen (such as “Hallelujah” featuring Danielle with Erin Wright, guitar and Thomas Helton, bass), Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, and other American popular artists. She also loves French music and has incorporated songs by Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf to her set lists, in addition to a smattering of Spanish and Italian songs.

Danielle appears regularly at venues such as the King Biscuit Patio Cafe, Vintropolis Wine Bar, The Tasting Room Uptown Park, and Ouisie’s Table. Her group performs at other venues as well, including community events such as the First Saturday Arts Market. She was one of several Houston musicians featured on the Deborah Duncan show in August of 2008.

To read more about Danielle, please visit her artist page.

Planning a wedding can be very stressful and time-consuming. However, the attention to detail and countless hours of planning will ensure a bright beginning to a lifetime of beautiful memories as you start your new life together as a married couple.

Your special day is one of the most important events of your lifetime, so finding the perfect music to suit your wedding is a top priority. Besides the dress, food, and décor, the music you and your partner choose will help to create an atmosphere that is uniquely yours. There is no better way to express how you truly feel about each other than through the musical ambience you will create for this momentous occasion.

Many couples choose a string trio or string quartet to add a sense of elegance or to make their wedding extra special with a live musical performance. Whether walking down the aisle to the traditional strains of Pachelbel’s Canon or the regal rhythm of the Bridal Chorus or more modern selections such as Can’t Help Falling in Love or God Bless the Broken Road, the warm tones of a string ensemble are timeless and always get rave reviews from brides, grooms and guests alike.

Third Floor Strings is based in Houston, Texas and generally performs as a string trio or string quartet, although other combinations are available, depending on your needs. They are a highly experienced group of musicians that provides quality live music and expert advice. Combined with their reputation for excellent customer service and affordable pricing, Third Floor Strings is definitely worth a call from you or your wedding planner.

Third Floor Strings frequently perform in Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Spring, Cypress, Galveston and surrounding communities. Recent and upcoming wedding and reception sites include Ashton Gardens in Houston, San Luis Resort in Galveston, Le Jardin Events in Houston, Rockefeller Hall in Houston, Rainbow Lodge in Houston, Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Galveston, Stafford Centre in Stafford, Westlake Club in Houston, and Shoalwater Royale Lodge in Tiki Island.

For more information or to book Third Floor Strings, please contact Sweetgrass Talent. It is our extreme pleasure to recommend this excellent ensemble to entertain you and your guests as you celebrate the beginning of a lifetime of memories together.

The White Lion Rhythm Section is based out of Houston, Texas and has established itself as one of the premier rhythm sections for live shows and recording sessions.

Drummer Joe DeLeon and bassist Robert DiBlanco make up this “grooving” rhythm section team that looks back on numerous years of experience in the studios and stages around the world. Artists like Doug Supernaw, Todd Fritsch, Jarrod Birmingham, Clay Farmer, Zona Jones, Johnny Bush, The Tearjerkers, Dixie Trahan, Cooper Wade, Celeste Terrell, Patrick Murphy, John Slaughter, Neil Austin Imber and many more have used the services of the White Lion Rhythm Section in the past and present because of their expertise and talent.

The White Lion Rhythm Section currently works with Sweetgrass Talent artists Todd Fritsch, Dixie Trahan, the Armadillo Playboys and Celeste Terrell.

Click here to visit the White Lion Rhythm Section on MySpace!

03/05/2009 – CYPRESS, TX
The Sweetgrass Talent Group is getting ready to launch their newly re-designed website on April 1st 2009.
Sweetgrass Talent Group will be presenting their complete Artist roster in a new format which will feature Songs, Videos and other media for users to enjoy. The talent agency has increased the number of Artists they represent as well as the number of agents working on their behalf. Their commitment to working on the best solution for their clients has been a consistent priority of the company.