Although vibraphonist Steve Nelson had been on the jazz scene for some time, Full Nelson marked his debut as a leader. Accompanied by two fine musicians, the highly sought-after bassist Ray Drummond and pianist Kirk Lightsey (who, like Nelson, is still deserving of wider recognition), he put together a thoughtful program of standards, great jazz compositions, and a pair of originals, though his playing is much softer than on typical recordings which followed. This session evolved f...   [ read more ]

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From the ebullient first track, a Nelson original, this release is consistently elegant and swinging. Nelson can cook like Milt Jackson and harmonize like Bobby Hutcherson, but imitates neither. His composing and performing talent both sparkle in this setting, where he's joined by three other top players, each of whom gets to shine in all the seamless, generous handing-offs. Highlights include Nelson's churning "Shape Shifting," with its whiff of mystery; the funky, bluesy "Down Fuzz";...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13