The Americana Music Association (AMA) really opened up a can’o whoopa** last night for their 9th annual Honors and Awards ceremony, which was held at the Ryman Auditorium. Jim Lauderdale, adorned in what is most aptly described as a “jailbird” leisure suit, served as master of ceremonies, wittily guiding the audience through the five Lifetime Achievement Award presentations, and the additional six categorical awards. In between the presentations, Buddy Miller—who was awarded “Instrumentalist of the Year”—led an absolutely stellar house band that backed the rousing performances by Americana music’s finest figures and 2010 awards nominees and recipients, including John Mellencamp, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Roseanne Cash, Sarah Jarosz, Corb Lund, Minton Sparks, Ryan Bingham, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Joe Pug, Greg Leisz, and Lucinda Williams.
The evening was clearly about genuine artistry, judging by the obviously timeless and talented nominees and winners, whose live displays of talent alone proved that they were fully deserving of their honors last night. Several performances in particular were quite memorable, such as “Duo/Group of the Year” nominees, The Carolina Chocolate Drops and their cover of Blu Cantrell’s forgotten hit, “Hey Ladies.” The 3-piece group featured a banjo player, a singer/violinist, and a beat boxer, and they were by far the most unique ensemble of the evening. They even had the old, conservative white folks groovin’ and shakin’. While their performance was admirable, they were beat out in their category by The Avett Brothers, who were quite the tease when they first set foot on stage with Grace Potter to present Hayes Carll with "New/Emerging Artist." Later in the evening, they returned to play the title track from their recent album, "I, and Love, and You."
Shortly afterwards, the good times kept on coming with Jack White presenting the original Queen of Rockabilly–Wanda Jackson–with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance. Apparently the two have recently been working together on a an album that White produced, and is being released through Third Man Records, (Jack White’s label). Naturally, everyone was thrilled to hear a live rendition of the first single, "Shakin All Over," which included a full horn section, and a glamorous, white sparkle fringe vest donned by the Queen. After 72 years of performing like that, it’s a wonder she wasn’t honored before Thursday night. (With the exception of being inducted into that whole Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame thing)… Grand slam.
The remaining honorees are as follows:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: "The List" by Roseanne Cash
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Ryan Bingham
NEW/EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Hayes Carll
SONG OF THE YEAR: "The Weary Kind" written by Ryan Bingham & T-Bone Burnett
JACK EMERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:
-EXECUTIVE: Luke Lewis
-INSTRUMENTALIST: Greg Leisz
-PRODUCER/ENGINEER: Brian Ahern
-SONGWRITER: John Mellencamp
Go here to hear the complete show: –Erin Manning