Sumatra
Best Americana Album
For Your Consideration
ARTIST STATEMENT: “Sumatra” is a contemporary Americana album shaped by folk storytelling, gospel conviction, soul, jazz and acoustic roots traditions. Across original songs and reimagined traditional material, Paula Boggs Band explores history, identity, resilience and human connection through its distinctive Seattle-Brewed Soulgrass sound.
Paula Boggs Band’s Sumatra [is] a bold and melodic collection of ten perfectly crafted songs.” AmericanaUK
“Sumatra is a great album that can't help but remind you of what we're fighting to preserve and also give you the strength to continue the battle. We need more people to be making this kind of music.” Rainbow Rodeo
“Sumatra covers the range of Americana delights, from folksier Americana style songs to the more powerful push of alt-country roots rock, like the Drive-By Truckers – and the musical tone is always a blend of thoughtful joy at its foundation.” Americana Highways
Produced and Mixed by Tucker Martine at Flora Studios, Portland, OR
Mastered by Paul Blakemore at CMG Mastering, Nashville, TN
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round FEATURING BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA & VALERIE JUNE
BEST AMERICAN ROOTS PERFORMANCE
For Your Consideration
ARTIST STATEMENT: Featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama and Valerie June, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round” brings three distinctive roots voices together in a contemporary interpretation of an enduring American freedom song. Grounded in gospel tradition and communal vocals, the performance honors the song’s history while affirming its continuing relevance.
“Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round is a perfect balm for these times when great positive change and shifts are needed worldwide. I am thrilled to work with Paula Boggs and the Blind Boys of Alabama on this motivational song of inspiration.” Valerie June
“The final track ends the album on a transcendent note with a jubilant version of the Civil Rights anthem, Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around, that features some absolutely joyous vocal turns from The Blind Boys of Alabama and Valerie June. Thematically, it’s a perfect fit with Boggs’ original tunes, in its joyful celebration of resilience and steadfastness and the need to remain optimistic in these difficult days. Delightful from start to finish.” Americana UK
“ [Sumatra] closes with “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round,” a folk spiritual that’s worth the price of admission all by itself.” Guitar Girl Magazine
250 RADIO PLAYS ACROSS 120 STATIONS
Produced and Mixed by Tucker Martine at Flora Studios, Portland, OR
Mastered by Paul Blakemore at CMG Mastering, Nashville, TN