Articles by Michael L. Nelson

Shelley Carrol: A Distant Star In View

by Michael L. Nelson
March 22, 2003

On this night, she requested that Shelley play her favorite tune that he plays. Amongst the reverberated shouts of 'yeah', she leans over to a companion to remark, 'that's so sexy'! Carrol plays in sub tones and drains every bit of emotion out of the horn as he whispers 'My Funny Valentine'. As the music plays on, any listener soon feels as if Shelley was playing their personal request.

At first glance, Carrol looks like any other cat just wanting ...

The Jam

by Michael L. Nelson
February 14, 2003

I would like to invite you to take a ride on the 'A-Train' for 'A Night in Tunisia'. Or would you prefer to go to 'St. Thomas'? We can leave 'Round Midnight'. You'll enjoy the ride; the train only plays 'All Blues'.

Welcome to Dallas, Texas. Where this trip takes place every 3rd Friday night of the month at the South Dallas Cultural Center .

'The Jam' is the premier jam session in the area. It brings the most ...

Herbie Hancock - Michael Brecker - Roy Hargrove: Directions in Music

by Michael L. Nelson
January 23, 2003

True jazz enthusiasts are often purist by nature. So most of them tend to entertain remakes and tribute documents with a certain amount of trepidation. But enthusiasts and purists alike need not be concerned about the Hancock/Brecker/Hargrove document, Directions in Music: Celebrating Miles Davis and John Coltrane ' Live at Massey Hall.From the downbeat of the opening tune, “The Sorcerer," Herbie Hancock reminds us why he was and is one of the most sought after pianist in the ...