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D. Nelson

Dave Nelson's parents were both musicians, his mother a pianist and his father a trombone player. He started his professional career in Seattle at age 19. In his early 20's he opened for Eddie Peabody, Jack Ross, the Gay 90's show in Tacoma, Wash. He appeared on the Katherine Wise Televsion show and also the Moore Theater. Dave played often with Dave Friesen and also with Bob Pelland of the Phoenix Jazzers. Within the last few years Dave has opened for Bobby Hutcherson, John Stetch, Macio Parker and has also opened for The Temptations.

He is known in New York city for his technical and lyrical playing.

His recent cd, "32nd Street" recorded with Joel Frahm on tenor, is a must hear for all jazz lovers. It includes 4 of Dave's original tunes, including, "The Lady Doesn't Lie." Dave is in his late 60's and feels his career is just beginning.

Awards

Performer of the year, Rosthern Music Festival First place with a Mark of 90 at the Spritwood Music Festival for 2nd movement of the Hummel

Backgrounder: Oliver Nelson - Taking Care of Business

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
March 2, 2024

Last week, following my series on organ combos, Bill Kirchner sent along a terrific Backgrounder suggestion: Oliver Nelson's Taking Care of Business, Nelson's second leadership date. Recorded in March 1960, the album featured Oliver Nelson (as,ts), Lem Winchester (vib), Johnny “Hammond" Smith (org), George Tucker (b) and Roy Haynes (d). The tracks: Trane Whistle (Oliver Nelson) Doxy (Sonny Rollins) In Time (Nelson) Lou's Good Dues Blues (Nelson) All the Way (Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen) Groove (Nelson) Talk about a ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson

Source: Michael Ricci
August 1, 2023

All About Jazz is celebrating Josh Nelson's birthday today!

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 ...
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Recording

Backgrounder: Nelson Riddle - Changing Colors

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
July 6, 2023

Yesterday, I posted on Nelson Riddle's little-known Communication album in 1971 for MPS Records. Two years later, Riddle recorded a second album for MPS that was equally excellent—Changing Colors. The song list on this album was a fresh mixed bag, including three originals, a George Harrison song and standards: My Life (composed by Claus Ogerman) My Sweet Lord (George Harrison) Sao Paulo (Nelson Riddle) (They Long to Be) Close to You (David, Bacharach) My One and Only Love (Wood, Mellin) ...
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Recording

Backgrouder: Nelson Riddle - Communication

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
July 5, 2023

In 1971, Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, the founder of Germany's MPS Records, had an idea. But first he had two questions: Why would an arranger the likes of Nelson Riddle be reduced to composing, arranging and conducting for The 101 Strings, an album released a year earlier? And why would he be compelled to record originals straining to be with-it? Listening to the tracks, Brunner-Schwer realized immediately that the project was a huge mismatch. The reason for Riddle's participation was simple: ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson

Source: Michael Ricci
August 1, 2022

All About Jazz is celebrating Josh Nelson's birthday today!

Recording

Pianist And Composer Josh Nelson Releases 'Live At Bluewhale | Volume 1'

Source: Josh Nelson
August 16, 2021

Highly acclaimed pianist and composer Josh Nelson’s latest release, Live at bluewhale, Volume 1 features recordings from his “Discovery Project” live shows, and a heartfelt tribute to Bluewhale jazz club in downtown Los Angeles, California. Live at bluewhale, Volume 1 is a compilation of sentimental and bittersweet recordings from Josh Nelson’s Discovery Project concerts originally performed at the Bluewhale jazz club, located in the heart of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. Founded in 2009 by Korean visionary and musician ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Josh Nelson

Source: Michael Ricci
August 1, 2021

All About Jazz is celebrating Josh Nelson's birthday today!

“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 Born and raised in Southern California, pianist-composer-bandleader Josh Nelson has performed with some of the ...
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Video / DVD

Half Nelson: Cool Perfection

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
July 23, 2021

For those who don't quite get East Coast cool jazz or why it's special, I have two words for you: Half Nelson. The song, credited to Miles Davis, was first recorded for Savoy in 1947 by the Miles Davis All Stars, featuring Miles Davis (tp), Charlie Parker (ts), John Lewis (p), Nelson Boyd (b) and Max Roach (d). Originally a bebop tune, the song was later picked up by Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, two exponents of the cool school. ...
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Birthday