The Grammys are important even if they relegate most of the classical awards to the afternoon well before the television cameras begins to roll, and it's much the same at the Latin Grammys, except more intimate, according to recording editor and mastering engineer Paul Blakemore.
Paul should know. He's had recordings honored at the "real" Grammys, which are awarded by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and this year for the first time Paul was honored by the Latin Grammys, which are given out every November by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Both experiences were a thrill, yet Paul feels the importance of the Latin Grammys is only going to grow given the changing demographics in the U.S. as the Latino population continues to increase.
Paul was nominated, and won, for his mastering of Arturo Sandoval's album "Dear Diz." Paul talks about what he saw and heard at the awards ceremonies last week in Las Vegas and also explains what, exactly, a "mastering engineer" does, and why it's important. You don't want to miss the insights Paul brings to the listening experience. We will hear selections from Sandoval's "Dear Diz," and Arturo's winning piece from the Tango category.
Another big winner in the classical world was the Cuarteto Latinoamericano's new album "Brasileiro," a collection of music by the Brazilian composer Francisco Mignone. This recording won for Best Classical Album. But wait! There's more! The Cuban born composer Yalil Guerra won Best Contemporary Classical Composition for his solo piano work "Seducción." We'll listen to that too.
Itinerarios airs every Sunday at 7 o'clock on KPAC and KTXI. It is hosted and produced by James Baker.
