Congratulations to Jason Lehning for his 2007 Grammy® nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (Category 92) for his incredible talents and skills on Viktor Krauss II.

VIKTOR KRAUSS II

Those who know Viktor Krauss primarily by his supporting roles with Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell, Jerry Douglas, and scores of others, might be surprised by the eclectic range of the original music on his new recording II. On the other hand, listeners familiar with Krauss’ remarkable 2004 solo debut, Far From Enough (Nonesuch), and attuned to the finer details of his recording and touring credits—with everyone from Carly Simon, Elvis Costello, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, and Graham Nash to Chet Atkins, the Chieftains, and Jewel—will find II quite consonant with that eclectic track record.

Although II is clearly kin to Far from Enough, it is less a sequel than a bolder and more colorful expression of Krauss’ ebullient and multifaceted musical personality. From the low rumble acceleration into the gleaming guitar-driven glide of the opener “Hop,” through six more richly textured instrumentals and three stunning vocal turns by Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, and Ben Taylor, II reflects Krauss’ restless curiosity and masterful ability to integrate his interests in film scores, jazz, rock, R&B, and pop.

“I wrote ‘Hop’ in 1996,” recalls Krauss, born in Champaign, Illinois, in 1969, and now a Nashville resident. “I was influenced by the feeling of Tennessee as it turns grey in winter. Now I get visions of a jet moving down a runway, and when the full drum kit comes in, we’ve lifted off, and now we’re coasting. It’s one of the favorites I’ve ever recorded.” - Viktor

VIKTOR AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL | PODCAST

On January 24, 2007, BMI hosted their “Songwriter Snowball” featuring Viktor, Keb Mo,
and Terence Blanchard.  According to Doreen Ringer Ross, Vice President of Film & Television Relations/BMI, this evening might have been the best musical event they have ever done at Sundance.  This was a follow-up to Viktor’s attendance to the ‘06 Film Composers Lab that takes place at the Sundance Institute. Check out Viktor’s BMI podcast at The Sundance Festival