Last year was the first year running the Big Red Recognitions. The point being that people “of the community” let Red Line Roots know who a) they think should be nominated and then b) think should win from those nominees. The process, albeit simple and imperfect, is the best way I could see to pay tribute and homage to the folks in the New England music community who are doing amazing things and really busting their asses off that year. Whether its touring relentlessly, snagging up those big, career making gigs, releasing an incredible record, or hoisting up those around them by being one hell of a support system and musician. Maybe next year we will have a fancy awards showcase or something, but for now, I have the results so why hold off any further, right? So, without droning to much further…

Songwriter of the Year: I would say that above all else, songwriting is the heart of what makes a song good…or, at least respectable in my own eyes (and ears). I tend to dial into the hooks and the words. Read the liner notes or scour the artist’s website to see if they have their lyrics listed somewhere in the ether. Catchiness. delivery and production are surely part of the puzzle, but the foundation for music that is definted by greatness instead of goodness, that lays within the words and the emotion of how a person writes. This year’s Songwriter of the Year, well, in this writer’s humble opinion is the best songwriter of the decade, or even further perhaps. Nominated and vote by you all: Ian Fitzgerald.

Band of the Year: Bands. There are many. There are also many types. Bar bands, cover bands, tribute bands, hard rock bands, roots rock bands, (insert genre) bands. In a sea of many, very few stand out. The type of band that is not only versatile, but comes together in a way to create a sound that so harmonious and perfect that its hard to wash the feeling off after you watch them perform. There are not many of those. But I can tell you one thing. Haunt the House, well, no matter what form the moniker of songwriter Will Houlihan takes it is an absolutely beautiful and moving thing to behold.

Album of the Year: A moment in time. To be able to capture something that will last forever and make it something that is worthy of such a lapse of time. Well, that takes the most important parts of so many different parts of music and pares it down into one free flowing experience. Mood, writing, ambiance. What makes a record worthy of listening to over and over and over again? I am not sure, but it would seem that you all feel “Wildwood Bride” by Molly Pinto Madigan hits all of the right notes.

Musician of the Year: Someone who puts others before themselves in order to let the music of their peers soar. One who excels at not just one, but defies logic and plays countless without effort (or so it seems). Someone who can read situations on the fly, feel the music. Truly FEEL the music and know what to play when and most importantly, what not to play as well. I’ve known it for years that Eric Lichter plays that role, but it seems in 2015 everyone else also agrees.

Well…there you have it. YOUR 2015 BIG RED Recognitions.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the BIG RED Red’s Choice awards for ACT OF THE YEAR and Red’s Favorite Find of 2015!!!