Josh Nelson Discoveries Steelbird Music 2011
Street Date 09/06/11
I have been looking for something a little more challenging to review and then the mailman/woman/person brought me tidings of great joy in the form of Josh Nelson's "Discoveries."
Cerebral jazz? In an incredibly unique if not personal release, Nelson takes his appreciation for the writings of Jules Verne among others and transforms this literature into a conceptualized presentation of sonic imagery that lives and breathes on its own. An incredibly thoughtful organic pulse drives the forward motion of this sonic adventure with great care and artistic touch.
Nelson's music is (for me) not Ipod friendly, no good jazz worth listening to is. "Discoveries" contains intricate and involved interplay between Nelson and his musical companions that is exciting, fresh and alive to the point where mere headphones could not possibly transfer the musical experience adequately.
Josh Nelson - Piano & Keyboard
Larry Koonse - Acoustic & Nylon Guitars
Dave Robaire - Acoustic & Electric Bass
Dan Schnelle - Drums & Percussion
Dontae Winslow - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Alan Ferber - Trombone
Brian Walsh - Bass Clarinet
Vanessa Robaire - Vocals
Nelson cites Herbie Hancock's "Speak Like A Child" and "The Prisoner" as the inspiration or root of the musical vibe that embodies "Discoveries." The merging of the influences of the writings of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells combined with the musical vibe of Herbie Hancock is nothing short of brilliant as presented here.
This release marks Nelson's fifth as a leader and this Thelonious Monk competition semi-finalist from 2006 delivers one of the most impressive releases yet for 2011.
Thoughtful, imaginative and at times slightly orchestral the musical pulse found in these compositions is indeed an adventure worth taking!
Enjoy this recent You Tube video that gives you a taste of the talent of Josh Nelson.
As always special thanks to Michael Bloom of Michael Bloom Media Relations!
