By JON CARAMANICA

Published: February 4, 2009

New York Times

With 1,117 nominees — performers, songwriters, producers and more — sprinkled over 110 categories, the Grammy Awards can be an unnavigable thicket. Here are some worthy discoveries that shouldn’t be allowed to slip through the cracks.

Cedric Watson

An aggressive and gifted reanimator of Louisiana Creole music, Cedric Watson sings in entrancing brays and yelps and plays fiddle and accordion in cocksure fashion. His first proper solo release “Cedric Watson” (Valcour), nominated for best zydeco or Cajun music album, is dynamic, filled with frenetic yet supple music. While Mr. Watson, from Lafayette, La., has played with the well-regarded revivalists the Pine Leaf Boys (also nominated in this category), he’s more thrilling on his own, and the most radical moments here are “J’ai Été Tout Autour du Pays” and “La Valse de Grand Basile,” nimble rearranged versions of two traditionals.