The latest album by Norwegian singer songwriter Bern/Hoft, Jarle Bernhoft to his friends, has been nominated for a prestigious Grammy award.
‘Islander’ is one of only five albums to be selected by more than 150 experts from across the recording industry, to determine whether the work is eligible and which category it should be in, Best R&B Album in this case.
Double Isle of Wight connection
What’s the relevance to the Isle of Wight? Two fold. Not only did Paul Butler – he of The Bees – produce the album, but it was also recorded at Chale Abbey Studios on the Island.
“What’s funny is that a white boy from the Isle of Wight has been involved with producing something nominated as Best R&B Album”, he told OnTheWight at the weekend, at another of Paul’s projects, Binnel artists’ studios at the old glass-works in St Lawrence.
Boost for the Island
As with all Gongs, even being nominated provides extra focus from the music recording industry – this should be great news not only for the Chale music studio, but also for Paul and in turn for the Isle of Wight.
Paul’s approach to recording has become known in the music industry as fantastically detailed, with unusual recording techniques and a fastidious selection of equipment to ensure the sound that’s produced is just right.
You only have to read this very detailed article by Sound on Sound after the recording of another of Paul’s hits, Michael Kiwanuka’s album, to understand quite how obsessive Paul is – in a good way.
Crossed fingers
We’ll all be rooting for the album when the 57th Grammy Awards are announced on 8th February, 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Update 8.Feb.15: Toni Braxton won the category. Still … to even be nominated is a heck of an achievement.
Image: © Bern/Hoft
