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Each year since 2002, www.Mary4Music.com has been giving out the symbolic, yet very coveted award known as "THE BLEWZZY". This is an award given to the CD and song that I liked best of all the CD's reviewed during the year - simple as that. Back then, when we weren't doing that many reviews, it was quite easy to pick a winner. However, as the site became more well known, and with submissions from BMA, Juno, Maple and Grammy Award winners, it got more difficult to pick a winner, but more exciting as well.
In 2012, reviews - for the very first time - had to share the spotlight with two Mary4Music Presents "Keeping The Blues Alive" compilation CDs resulting in a drop from 42 in 2011 to 24. However, the quality of the music submitted was as good as ever. As usual, those discs came from all walks of musical life ranging from local and regional players to national touring acts to a US Navy Reservist whose unit was serving a tour in the Middle East.
Now, with no further delay, it's time to make some very tough decisions and announce the winners of the 2012 "Blewzzy Award". Since our review policy requires that I must like the CD in order to review it, it's quite obvious that the list of honorable mentions could be lengthy. However, I'll narrow it down to two and offer my congratulations to the runners up - Mike Mettalia & Midnight Shift / "Midnight Sun" and Darren Jay & The Delta Souls / "Drink My Wine". I now congratulate James Buddy Rogers as the 2012 BLEWZZY AWARD winner in the CD category for his work on "My Guitar's My Only Friend".
The Song Of The Year category always drives me crazy and this year was no different. Before deciding I listened to half a dozen songs over and over again. Congratulations to Mama Groove / "And I Feel" and Lisa Mann / "Surrender To The Blues" for a virtual dead heat as runners up. I now congratulate Bobby "Blackhat" Walters as the 2012 BLEWZZY AWARD winner in the Song Of The Year category with his absolutely beautiful "I Hear My Mama's Voice".
