Hancock says Grammy win is a victory for jazz

Mon Feb 11, 2008
By Sue Zeidler

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Herbie Hancock won the coveted album of the year Grammy on Sunday, becoming the first jazz instrumentalist to win the honor in more than 40 years and causing Hancock to remark "it's a new day" at the Grammys.

Hancock's "River: The Joni Letters," an all-star tribute to Canadian singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell was a surprise victory at the 50th annual Grammys, beating out other nominees Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black," Kanye West's "Graduation," rock band the Foo Fighters' "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace" and country singer Vince Gill's "These Days."

"Joni Mitchell, Joni Mitchell, Joni Mitchell, thank you so much," said Hancock, in accepting the trophy. He also thanked the Grammy voters for "courageously breaking the mold."

"It's been 43 years since the first and only time that a jazz artist got an album of the year award," he said, referring to 1964's "Getz/Gilberto," an album released by the American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto.


More at: Reuters.com

That's great and Herbie really deserves this, I haven't heard the album yet, but having listened to him for 40 years, it's a great achievement in this rock/pop dominated venue.

GF just phoned to tell me she picked the album up just so's I don't go and buy it online. Hmm, I guess that might be my early bday gift. Gotta love her.

Nice Algis Here's a "prelude" for ya. Quite a lineup of artists, including Leonard Cohen

Oh man Graham, that's so sweet. Thanks for the link as this will keep me going until she gets back from work. Leonard is a legend here as he's a homeboy and a great poet/songwriter too!