Report from the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles

Saxophonist Joakim Rolandsson and program and planning manager Eric Brandström Arellano packed their bags and traveled to Los Angeles to represent Bohuslän Big Band on site at the Grammy Awards. An overwhelming experience.

“It was probably only when we got to Los Angeles that it really started to sink in how big it is that Bohuslän Big Band has been nominated for a Grammy,” says Eric Brandström Arellano.

Reception for Grammy nominees

The program included several different events that were part of the Grammy celebrations themselves. On Saturday, Joakim and Eric were invited to a reception for all the nominees – an evening to celebrate together with other Grammy contenders and an excellent opportunity to network with fellow musicians.

“We met, among others, Miho Hazama, whom we’ll be working with later this spring, bassist John Patitucci, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, jazz saxophonist and composer Remy Le Boeuf, and trumpeter John Daversa. And of course also Danilo Pérez,” Eric recounts.

During the evening, everyone also received a medal as proof of their nomination.

“It was really nice to see everyone receive their medals. This evening, everyone truly was a winner,” Eric continues.

Red carpet and televised gala

On Sunday it was time for the big Grammy Awards gala. The category in which Bohuslän Big Band and Danilo Pérez were nominated was presented during Premiere Ceremony, where most of all Grammy statuettes are handed out. But before the ceremony at the Peacock Theatre, it was time to walk the red carpet.

“It was a completely crazy experience. The first person we ran into was the British jazz legend John McLaughlin,” says Joakim.

It was the same red carpet that the biggest names in the music industry walked on.

“We saw, among others, Billie Eilish and the host Trevor Noah. There was also someone who bumped into me and when I turned around I saw that it was Pharrell Williams,” says Eric Brandström Arellano.

After the Premiere Ceremony, it was time to attend the big televised Grammy Awards show, where artists like Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Lauryn Hill performed.

“You’re really struck by how magnificent everything is – the stage production and the musical performances. They really know how to put on award shows over here on the other side of the Atlantic,” says Joakim Rolandsson.

The Grammy went to a friend in the industry

There was no Grammy for Bohuslän Big Band. The winner in the category was instead Christian McBride and his big band.

“We did a production with McBride a few years ago. He is a fantastic musician and a deserving winner. We are very happy for him,” says Eric.

Just being nominated for the music industry’s most prestigious award is truly a victory in itself.

“Being nominated for a Grammy really opens doors to new international collaborations. It’s proof that Bohuslän Big Band is doing a great job,” says Joakim.

“We are so happy to have been able to celebrate this together with Danilo,” says Eric.