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MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2002

The GRAMMY music awards heralded the new year with a second round of nominees in the Native music category on Friday, choosing six recordings to compete for Best "Best Native American Music Album."

Heavy on pow-wow music and two record labels, the Native hopefuls were among the scores announced at a star-studded press conference in Beverly Hills, California. Home to the GRAMMY awards ceremony next month, the celebrity-laden affair seemed far away from the plains and prairies largely represented by this year's offerings.

But whichever recording is chosen as winner on February 27 will definitely be among the A-list visibles of the night. Increased press coverage, boosted album sales and the prestige of it all are waiting for the lucky creators.

Controversy could also be following, if last year's ceremony is any indication. Tom Bee's Sound of America Records label, which won the GRAMMY last year, has been nominated for "Gathering Of Nations 2000: Millenium Celebration - Vol. 1," a recording taken at the pow-wow of the same name.

In a spiff over royalties and ownership of the award, organizers of the the Gathering of Nations pow-wow cut ties to Bee. GRAMMY officials didn't get involved, saying the nod for compilation albums goes to the producer.

Even if that recording doesn't win, though, Bee can count his creations as doubly-blessed. "Life Goes On - Hand Drum & Round Dance Songs" by the Black Eagle Singers, a pow-wow group hailing from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, has been nominated.

Simliarly named, and an inspiration to the Pueblo group, the Black Lodge Singers of Washington are a repeat and popular nominee. "Weasel Tail's Dream - The Tradition Continues," from Canyon Records, is dedicated to the the Blackfeet group's late grandfather Jim Weasel Tail.

Also well-known in the pow-wow circuit is Northern Cree. The Canadian group has been nominated for "Rockin' The Rez," from Canyon Records, one in a line of many recordings that have kept Indian Country moving and shaking for years.

Yet one more drum group in the running for the Native award is Young Bird, hailing from Pawnee, Oklahoma. Singing in southern pow-wow style, the group is nominated for "Change of Life," another Canyon release.

Rounding out the group and marking the fourth Canyon offering is Verdell Primeaux & Johnny Mike, chosen for "Bless The People - Harmonized Peyote Songs." The duo, which presents songs from the Native American Church, also happens to be the only nominee not from the pow-wow genre.

The Native GRAMMY was first awarded in 2000 after a more than decade-long push by Native music producer Tom Bee and other Native industry afficionados. Because it only reflects traditional music in a field of diverse Native artists, a lobbying effort to recognize modern Native music is well underway.

Presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the 44th annual GRAMMYs will air February 27 on CBS. The Native award was presented on the air last year but officials won't announce the line-up until closer to show date.

Relevant Links:
GRAMMYs - http://www.grammy.com

Related Stories:
Gathering of Nations cuts ties to SOAR (3/5)
Gathering wins first Native GRAMMY (2/22)
GRAMMY show full of surprises (2/20)
Spotlight on the GRAMMYs (1/26)
GRAMMY nominees announced (1/4)
GRAMMYs to honor Native music (6/7)