Josh Nelson
Josh has performed around the world and recorded for numerous albums, films, and TV shows, but also makes time for his own projects: "Anticipation" (2004) and "Let it Go" (2007, Native Language Music) both garnered international critical acclaim. Josh’s third album, "I Hear a Rhapsody" (2009), featured his original compositions, standard interpretations, and re-imagining of some popular repertoire. "Discoveries" (2011), introduced a pairing of classic science fiction ephemera with new compositions for a brass and wind ensemble (featuring a live ongoing video projection and art installation component as well, called The Discovery Project). "Exploring Mars"(2015) explored musical themes on the Red Planet, along with spectacular NASA/JPL Martian video footage. "Dream in the Blue" (2016) documented Josh in an intimate duo setting with his longtime collaborator, vocalist Sara Gazarek. "The Sky Remains" (2017) delved into musical stories and themes originating from his hometown of Los Angeles. "The Discovery Project Live in Japan" (2020) is a live trio album, and received wonderful reviews. His latest release will drop in September of 2021, "live at bluewhale | Volume 1", It's a sentimental tribute to an amazing venue in Los Angeles which was forced to closed during the pandemic.
Josh has earned many awards, scholarships and accolades over the years, some of which include the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award. In 2006, Josh was one of only twelve semi-finalists in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition.
Josh toured the world for 6 beautiful years with the legendary vocalist Natalie Cole. He continues to tour with artists Nicolas Bearde, Kenny Washington, Lorca Hart, Anton Schwartz, Allison Adams Tucker, Kathleen Grace, Gaby Moreno, Alicia Olatuja, Tom Scott, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Christian Howes.
Awards
Louis Armstrong Award, John Philip Sousa Award, numerous "Outstanding Soloist Awards" at music competitions from around the country. $10,000 Tom Talbert Scholarship. Josh has also been a member of many honor groups, including the SCSBOA Honor Jazz Band, the SCSBOA All- Stars, and the Grammy Band. Josh was one of only 12 semi-finalists in the prestigious International Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition which was held in Washington D.C. in 2006.
Gear
Yamaha S-400B, Nord (Clavia) Electro 2, 3
Tags
Album Review
- Let It Go by Jakob Baekgaard
Live Review
Take Five With...
Album Review
- Discoveries by Dan Bilawsky
- Exploring Mars by Dan McClenaghan
- Exploring Mars by Dan Bilawsky
- The Sky Remains by Dan Bilawsky
- D+N+A: David/Nelson/Agreement by C. Michael Bailey
- The Discovery Project: Live In Japan by Chris M. Slawecki
- Live At Bluewhale, Volume 1 by Dan McClenaghan
August 01, 2022
Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson
August 13, 2021
Pianist And Composer Josh Nelson Releases 'Live At Bluewhale | Volume 1'
August 01, 2021
Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson
August 01, 2020
Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson
August 01, 2019
Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson
August 01, 2018
Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson
October 01, 2017
All About Jazz Top 10 MP3 Downloads: September 2017
August 01, 2017
Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson
February 15, 2017
Acclaimed Pianist/Composer Josh Nelson’s "Discovery Project”...
August 01, 2016
“Wonders never cease here, as Nelson's imagination carries us to unexpected places and uncovers topics and stories hidden in the mists and mortar of Los Angeles... he paints subtle gestures, sophisticated thoughts, and broad strokes…the end result is a work that speaks to an arranger's mind, a songwriter's sensibility, and a historian's eye… It's more than enough to keep the mind and emotions busy and happy.” —All About Jazz
“An impressionistic musical look at facets of L.A., this will open your ears to a jazzy, L.A. you probably never considered.” – Midwest Record
Jazz Review January 2008 By Paul J. Youngman
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Los Angeles
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Contact me at [email protected] for more info!
Clinic/Workshop Information
Contact me at [email protected] for more info!
Cecilia Coleman
keyboardsChick Corea
pianoBill Cunliffe
pianoBill Evans
pianoLarry Goldings
organ, Hammond B3Herbie Hancock
pianoHank Jones
pianoKenny Kirkland
pianoMulgrew Miller
pianoMichel Petrucciani
pianoPhotos
Album Discography
Sister Moon
From: SmileBy Josh Nelson
For What It's Worth
From: Social Anthems, Volume 1By Josh Nelson
Bridges and Tunnels
From: The Sky RemainsBy Josh Nelson
Small Hotel
From: In2uitionBy Josh Nelson
Bhutto Song
From: I Hear a RhapsodyBy Josh Nelson
Dirigibles
From: DiscoveriesBy Josh Nelson