Josh Nelson

Pianist and composer Josh Nelson maintains an active and creative schedule. He has performed with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Natalie Cole, Anthony Wilson, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Walter Smith III, Dayna Stephens, Alicia Olatuja, Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, Richard Galliano, Michael Buble, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Greg Hutchinson, John Clayton, Seamus Blake, Matt Wilson, Sara Gazarek, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, and Lewis Nash.

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

“Josh is that rare young musician who has not only a wealth of study and experience under his belt (all but assuring him a prominent place in jazz music), but he also possesses those rarest of musical attributes: a touch, a tone, and a “sound” that are all identifiably his own.” — Peter Erskine, legendary drummer

“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

"A debut of magnificence, Nelson is a talented young composer and pianist, someone to keep a close eye on."

"Nelson distinguishes himself as a first-rate player and composer with a fresh, wholly personal take on the music." - Bill Milkowski

Downbeat January 2008 Reviewed by James Hale

Los Angeles-bred pianist Josh Nelson has his heart firmly on his sleeve for much of his debut recording, planting six yearning ballads in the center of Let it Go and using the plaintive timbre of Seamus Blake's tenor for maximum effect.

A player with strong stylistic links to Brad Mehldau and Ethan Iverson, Nelson also gets tremendous support from drummer Matt Wilson, who masters the tricky rhythmic feel of "Loose End" and adds casual waltz-time anarchy in the background of the Beach Boys' obscure "Tears in the Morning." As his choice of the Sunflower nugget illustrates, Nelson has a finely tuned ear, which shows itself again in his inclusion of the pretty standard "Love Letters" and Ben Wendel's "Julia." His own "Leaving Here" is less effective, despite a pleasant guest vocal by Sara Gazarek.

Interesting territory exists beyond the dominant balladic material, too. "Introspection on 401" surges past ethereal introspection on the back of a brawny Blake solo, and closing title track pairs Wilson's slamming drums against a cyclical theme.

All About Jazz allaboutjazz.com Jakob Bækgaard December 9, 2007 "This is not only an outstanding debut, it's one of the best releases of the year."

JazzTimes December 2007 Reviewed by Forrest Dylan Bryant

Josh Nelson establishes a clear identity in the six original tunes that anchor this album. Balancing tenderness with fortitude and quite reflection with an open, gracefully uplifting quality, Nelson's rich, inventive piano rolls and skips through vigorously flowing melodies and gently placed harmonic interactions. Saxophonist Seamus Blake catches the updraft , flying above the thumping title track and the bewitching "Introspection on 401," while vocalist Sara Gazarek delivers and aching performance on Nelson's "Leaving Here," a stirring song of loss.

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