Centrum congratulates Centrum Voice Works faculty Melody Walker, for winning the Grammy for Best American Roots Song for her co-written track, “American Dreaming.” This accode was presented at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 2, 2025.
“American Dreaming” is featured on Sierra Ferrell’s album Trail of Flowers, which also garnered the Grammy for Best Americana Album. The songwriters’ award was shared between Walker and Ferrell, highlighting their collaborative success.
Walker, a Humboldt State University alumna, has been an influential figure in the American roots music scene. She is renowned for her work with the bluegrass band Front Count and her solo projects, which showcase her exceptional songwriting and vocal talents.
Walker has also been a long time Faculty member at Voice Works, she appeared in Centrums This little light project this past summer, and will return to Voice Works this upcoming summer of 2025.
Säje, a distinguished American vocal quartet, achieved significant recognition at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. The ensemble, comprising Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick, and Amanda Taylor, secured the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for their rendition of “Alma,” featuring renowned violinist Regina Carter.
Gazarek and Kendrick have both been faculty at Jazz Port Townsend, and will be returning as faculty in 2025.
This accolade marks the second Grammy win for the group, following their 2024 award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals for “In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning.”
Their debut album, released in 2023, showcased collaborations with artists such as Jacob Collier, Ambrose Akinmusire, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Michael Mayo.
Säje’s unique sound blends contemporary jazz, pop, folk, blues, and soul, with original compositions often addressing social issues. Their innovative approach to vocal arrangements and their ability to intertwine complex harmonies have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying their reputation as a leading force in modern vocal jazz
Taylor Eigsti, the acclaimed American jazz pianist and composer, achieved a significant milestone as well by winning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his album Plot Armor.
This Grammy win marks Eigsti’s second in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category, following his 2023 award for Tree Falls.
Eigsti taught at Jazz Port Townsend in 2018.
Current Jazz Faculty Johnathan Blake was also nominated as a featured musician for Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Beyond This Place — Kenny Barron Featuring Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Johnathan Blake, Immanuel Wilkins & Steve Nelson
