TAQA Records USA is pleased to announce that award-winning pianist/producer/songwriter and TAQA Records USA recording artist Barry D.'s highly acclaimed project Born To Play has been nominated for a 2009 Stellar Award in the "Instrumental CD of the Year" category. Other nominees in the category include Jeff Majors, Angella Christie, Courtney Nero and Esther Williams & Davey Yarborough. The 24th Annual Stellar Awards will be taped for broadcast at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, January 17, 2009. The show will be hosted by comedian Sinbad and acclaimed gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams.

Don Jackson, CEO of Chicago-based Central City Productions, said the awards show will continue to have first-run broadcast television syndication on more than 100 affiliates around the country in the first quarter of 2009 and will also be shown on cable through a new partnership with the Gospel Music Channel.

"I am so honored to be included as a Stellar nominee. It underscores the fact that God does keep all of His promises," says Barry D. "This is certainly an exciting milestone for myself and TAQA Records, and I intend to be a good steward of the blessings that God has given me."

A GMA Dove Award nominee, winner of the gospel category in the prestigious Billboard Songwriting Contest and a finalist in both the distinguished John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the 2007 Independent Music Awards, Barry D.'s musical accomplishments have caught the ears of the Smooth Jazz industry as well as the CCM and gospel markets. His strong chops have afforded the pianist the opportunity to work with many of the up and coming jazz giants in New York's ritzier clubs, but it is his versatility that has captured the attention of some of the biggest names in the music industry. Fans will recognize his signature riffs on records by R. Kelly, David Foster, Mario Winans, Anastacia, Donna Summer, Linda Eder, Nothing but the Girl, Robin S., Changing Faces and Junior Vasquez. Barry D. has performed at Carnegie Hall and has shared the stage with such outstanding performers as Phil Collins, Phil Keaggy, Sister Sledge, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, Selah, Jaci Velasquez and Anointed. His songs have been recorded by popular recording artists, including gospel legend Marvin Sapp, who leads the pack of nominees for the 2009 Stellar Awards with nine nominations.

Born to Play blends pop, funk and both smooth and acoustic jazz vibes, creating rich textures and heart-warming melodies that tell a story. The album is produced by Barry D. (Rain) and co-mixed by Barry D. and Josh McDonnell (Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Queen Latifah).

Barry D.'s Born To Play is available on TAQA Records USA, a division of TAQA Entertainment, and is distributed in the CBA market by New Day Distribution and Central South Distribution. For more information on Barry D. and his album, Born To Play, visit www.taqarecordsusa.com.