Seth James and Mike Guldin Secure Six Entries on 2027 GRAMMY First Round Ballot
News related to:Qualified Records · 2 min read
Seth James and Mike Guldin, artists signed to Qualified Records, have secured a significant presence on the 2027 GRAMMY™ First Round Ballot. Their combined efforts have resulted in six entries across various categories, marking a notable achievement in the contemporary and traditional blues genres.
Seth James, with his album "Motormouth," has garnered three entries. The album, produced by Kevin McKendree, features a high-octane performance rooted in Texas blues and swing. It includes the Best Contemporary Blues Album nomination, the Best Traditional Blues Album nomination, and the Album Cover category. Additionally, the track "Why Should I Suffer" has been nominated for Best American Roots Performance.
Mike Guldin's album "While I Can," also produced by McKendree, has two entries. It is nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and the track "Drivin' Rain" is up for Best American Roots Performance.
Both albums were recorded at McKendree's studio, The Rock House, in Franklin, TN, and were produced with the support of the Hot Links, a Nashville-based studio band known for their blues, soul, and Americana sound. The albums were also co-written with the Grammy-winning Time Jumpers, adding a layer of authenticity and quality to the music.
Seth James, the artist behind "Motormouth," expressed his excitement about the recognition. "We made Motormouth to sound alive," he said.
The first round ballot is one step in the Recording Academy's voting process. Voting members will select the entries they believe should become nominees. Voting runs from October 12, 2026, to October 22, 2026, with nominees announced on November 16, 2026. Final round voting will take place from December 10, 2026, to January 7, 2027, culminating in the 69th Annual Grammy Awards on January 7, 2027.
Both LPs reached and held for many weeks the #1 charting position on a number of the venerable Roots Music Report's charts based on spins and rotations by indie radio around the globe. The primary studio musicians include: The Time Jumpers, Rob McNelley (Guitar), Steve Mackey (Bass), Lynn Williams (Drums), and McKendree (piano, B3, and engineering). Horns by Jim Hoke, backing vocals by Etta Britt, Jackie Wilson, and Alice Spencer.
The 69th Annual Grammy Awards are held in LA on January 7, 2027.