NARAS tweaks Grammy categories again

IT ALL ADDS UP: The Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees did some additional tweaking of Grammy categories when it met in late May, but in contrast to a year ago, the arithmetic function this time was addition rather than subtraction. Added were two new categories—Best Classical Compendium and Best Urban Contemporary Album, while restoring Best Latin Jazz Album, whose removal had sparked the biggest outcry. On top of that, one Latin category was split in two and two others were combined. Altogether, these moves increased the total number of categories from 78 to 81. Also, mastering engineers will now be nominees in the Record of the Year category. "With the focus squarely on ensuring the awards process is pertinent within the current musical landscape, the Board of Trustees continues to demonstrate its passionate commitment to keeping the Recording Academy a relevant and responsive organization in our dynamic music community," said Neil Portnow. "Every year, we diligently examine our Awards structure, including evaluating proposals, to develop an overall guiding vision and ensure that it remains a balanced and viable process, as well as maintains the prestige of the highest and only peer-recognized award in music." (6/8a)