It's hard to even begin. It's been such a tremendous past month. It started with the nominations - "Whispering A Prayer" was nominated for the Best Rock Instrumental Performance, and two Favored Nations releases were nominated - Best Instrumental Pop Performance for Alive And Beyond by Eric Johnson & Alien Love Child, and two for Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather's No Substitutions, Best Instrumental Pop Performance and Best Instrumental Pop Album.
I had written "Whispering A Prayer" and recorded it in Buenos Aires. It was such a magical moment for us when we performed that song live for the first time, and to know it was all being recorded and happening at that moment gives you a sense of electricity and awareness of life and music.
I think I can speak on behalf of all artists when I say that to be recognized for your contribution is a total honor, and that's what a Grammy nomination brings to the table.
To be mentioned in the same category as The Allman Brothers, Satch and Jeff Beck is stellar and I had no problem with any of those talents taking the Gold over me. As a matter of fact, I would have been a little embarrassed to have won over such tremendous musicians that I have looked up to my entire life. Congratulations to Jeff Beck, who is quite likely the most innovative rock guitarist in the world.
Frankly I was more thrilled with the Favored Nations nominations than my own. We have all worked so hard and just the nominations made us all winners, but guess what - Carlton and Lukather actually won one. I was a presenter at the pre-telecast and I got to announce them as winners. It was amazing to open that envelope and see their names. It's a testament to their musical giantness and I extend a heartfelt congratulations to all of our artists and all those nominated and heck, all those who attempt to create, perform, and record their music. Because all these awards aside, you're a winner when you make your music a reality in the world and at least you can enjoy it.
Well, Friday night Michael Greene (NARAS President) called me and said he had an idea to put me with Nelly Furtado to do her hit "I'm Like A Bird." I was a bit confused because I had no idea that he was talking about doing it for the actual show. He said he would call me back to confirm. I didn't give it too much thought because it just seemed impossible, and if I did do it, I would be just another musician in the band, but then he called back and said he wanted me to do it just with her. I was stunned and immediately felt a little woozy.
We weren't sure (Nelly, myself, management, etc.) that it would work and thought the best thing to do was for her and I to get together and see how it works out.
Well, we met Monday night and rehearsed from midnight to 2 am. I discovered that she is a bright, intuitive and light hearted girl and I fell in love with her whole energy. We had a good time and tried out a bunch of different things, and at the end we felt that we really hit on some magic moments and that... "Heh, we don't need a band!". So off we went.
Tuesday and Wednesday were freak days. I still couldn't believe this was going to happen and felt that at some point I would get that call that it was called off or something. My nerves believed it was going to happen, though.
When we took to the stage, it was bliss. I felt in complete control and command and had the confidence of a mountain. I totally lived in the moment and breathed in every single second of that fantasy. It was like slow motion. Every time I looked over at Nelly I felt like the cloud that was carrying the angel. I thought she was fantastic, and I felt totally privileged to have the opportunity. When it was over, I remember looking up and seeing Bonnie Raitt giving me the yes nod. I bowed to her, then turned to Gwen Stefani and mouthed her name.
The most thrilling moment for me through all of this was looking out into that applauding audience and seeing Pia amongst the industry hierarchy. She was smiling and cheering and then it was done and I breathed heavy relief. I can't even imagine being like Mary J. or Alicia. They really put out. They emanate total star quality talent. I was especially blown away by 'NSYNC, believe it or not.
After the actual performance I blew it because I was supposed to take my guitar off during the presentation of the nominations while their tape was rolling, but instead I took it off when they were being announced so I missed some air time but.. eh. I actually tried to stay out of the camera due to some odd feelings of unworthiness or something stupid but it all worked out and a close to a billion people got to see my cool green shirt.
I decided against going down the red carpet and doing all the press because... well... I just feel out of place a bit doing that stuff. I leave it to the superstars and let them bask in that kind of glory. I was already blind with joy just walking through the parking garage to get to my limo.
After the show there was the Favored Nations party at Josie Restaurant in Santa Monica. This is rated as one of the top 5 in the country. We had about 120 people and it did not seem anything like an industry party, but more like a family gathering.
And then I get home and find out that FN artist Johnny A. has a song that is number one at KFOG in San Francisco. It's the first time in the history of the station that they have had a number one instrumental song. His record is starting to take off and I highly recommend it as a supreme musical listening experience.
As I write this I am bathing in the post Grammy afterglow while listening to Pia practice her harp in the other room. The sound fills the house with love. That's what the notes of a harp sounds like when they leave the tips of her fingers - love.
S
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