Nods mean Moore now

Although the Dave Matthews Band’s many achievements include a Grammy Award, getting a trophy has never been the focus of the group, which has blazed an independent path from pop’s mainstream.

But this year, even frontman Matthews is feeling emotional over their two nominations for “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King,” including album of the year.

“I live in my own tree and I’m pretty out of touch with a lot of what’s going on – the mechanics that’s going on with the Grammys and the industry in general,” says Matthews.

“But to get that was a real thrill for me … because of what the album meant to us and because (of) the loss of LeRoi (Moore) and because of the love that we put into making this.”

The Grammy nominations underscore how the band, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has rejuvenated itself after traumas that have led to the dissolution of other groups.

First, creative differences almost tore them apart, then founding member Moore died after a 2008 ATV accident.

Fans can hear Moore’s presence all over “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King.”

Its title references Moore’s nickname, “GrooGrux,” and the album’s artwork, drawn by Matthews, features his image. His solos begin and end the album, and his artistic stamp is throughout.

“We took the great things that he contributed to us in philosophy of life and philosophy of music … and we played them harder than maybe we would have … if he had lived,” Matthews says.

Which is why the band’s Grammy nominations for album of the year and rock album of the year were so gratifying.

“The spirit of the band right now and the inspiration of LeRoi and the inspiration of the music and the joy that we got from making the record together … the spirit of where we are right now is awesome,” he says.

Birthday bunch

Actress Carol Channing is 89. Actor Stuart Margolin is 70. Singer Harry Wayne Casey (KC and the Sunshine Band) is 59. Singer Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols) is 54. Actor Anthony LaPaglia is 51. Actress Kelly Lynch is 51. Actress Minnie Driver is 40. Actress Portia de Rossi is 37. Actress Kerry Washington is 33. Singer Justin Timberlake is 29.