North Coast duo up for Grammy award tonight
Keith and Kristyn Getty are nominated in the Best Roots Gospel Album category
Northern Irish Christian hymn-writers Keith and Kristyn Getty have earned their first Grammy nomination for their album Confessio – Irish American Roots in the Best Roots Gospel Album category.
The Gettys are nominated in the Best Roots Gospel Album category alongside Willie Nelson, the Gaither Vocal Band and Karen Peck & New River. The category is for albums that feature more than 50% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.
Recorded on the North Coast as the Getty’s spent time at home during the pandemic, Confessio traces their journey back to Northern Ireland to explore the connection between the island’s enduring faith music heritage and its legacy in America, from St Patrick and Be Thou My Vision to their own work and Kristyn’s duet version of “In Christ Alone” with Alison Krauss.
Described by the couple as their “love letter to Northern Ireland”, Confessio showcases 15 traditional hymns, including renditions of 'Be Thou My Vision', 'Amazing Grace' and 'It Is Well With My Soul', as well as their own 'In Christ Alone' and 'Immigrant’s Song'.
It highlights traditional Irish melodies and instrumentation and features performances from an array of guests including multiple Grammy-award winning artists Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs and Kirk Whalum as well as their daughters making an appearance.
“We made this album when we were home with our four daughters in Northern Ireland during Covid," says Keith.
"It started one day as I was at Ballycastle harbour looking out to sea, thinking of our heritage and the gift it is to be from here. The album is a love letter to our home: the place that gave the origins and the meaning to why we write hymns; from its first hymn writer St Patrick and his ‘Confessio’, to ‘Be Thou My Vision’, to our own journey writing ‘In Christ Alone’ and other modern hymns.
"Some of the tracks were simply recorded in the outdoor ‘Cove’ in our home outside of Bushmills, with one even recorded at ‘Harrys Shack’! So it’s funny but also lastingly beautiful to think we’re going to the Grammys because of it!
“Kristyn and I are grateful to have contributions on this album from legends such as Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, and Kirk Whalum as well as many of our own team. We are honoured to be nominated for our first Grammy award, and we hope the project shines a greater light on the Christian heritage of the West, the importance of hymn singing, and the beauty of Christ.”
The 65th GrammyAwards 2023 will take place tonight, Sunday February 5th at midnight UK time in Los Angeles’ Cyrpto.com Arena.
To download “Confessio – Irish American Roots” visit: www.gettymusic.com/confessio