pressJazz Review "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." Downbeat 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. All About Jazz "This is not only an outstanding debut, it's one of the best releases of the year." Jazz Police "Nelson’s first release immediately lets us know this young man is a well-rounded and well-versed contributor to the jazz genre" JazzTimes 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. East Bay Monthly Long Beach-raised pianist Josh Nelson is a rising artist who has found a comfortable niche in his hometown, and he's lowly making his presence felt up north through his work accompanying the gifted vocalist Natasha Miller. The 28 year-old Nelson recently released his second CD, Let it Go (Native Language), and it's going to spread his name much further. Moving between piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond Organ, and glockenspiel, he's joined by a stellar cast of improvisers, including guitarist Anthony WIlson and bassist Darek Oles (both from L.A.) and saxophonist Seamus Blake and drummer Matt Wilson (from New York). Versed in the rock-tinged orchestral approach of Alan Pasqua and post-bop vocabulary of Herbie Hancock, Nelson focuses on well-crafted original tunes that display his beautiful touch, rhythmic fluency, and impressive narrative sensibility. Metaljazz.com "Just another guy tryin’ to maintain L.A.’s bad reputation for attractive, intelligent jazz, pianist Josh Nelson brings a second album that will frustrate nasty old bastards who want to find things wrong with it." THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER Josh Nelson "While his work is reminiscent of Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, and a long list of other worthies, he sounds like no one else exactly, which in jazz means that you have achieved something." Midwest Record Chris Spector September 17, 2007 Josh Nelson "Young lion jazz piano man Nelson sheds the Bill Evans vibe of his past and feels confident leading in the company of Matt Wilson, Anthony Wilson and other like chopped hitters, acquitting himself properly as a leader and composer. Currently honing his considerable chops to more of a razor edge with a rigorous and diverse work routine, this is quite a seasoned second outing. Mixing the influences of his environment, there is a nice cascade of contemporary moves running throughout his work keeping your ears on the edge of their seat as he stays one step ahead. Tasty, well conceived stuff that hits the target. " ALL ABOUT JAZZ "The entire disc is full of wondrous ideas, expertly delivered. Stimulating and fresh; this is the work of a man who could easily represent the future of jazz." Soundstage.com
"Nelson is only 28, but Let It Go is an assured disc by a musician who's sure about where he wants to be." "Josh Nelson is a fine young player making some noise of his own in Los Angeles; I really enjoyed the album and I appreciate what he's doing." “It was terrific to hear you (and to get to play with you); you sound great.” "As for the future of jazz, I think it is secure in the hands of splendid young musicians such as Nelson...of this effort it really could be said that this album presents Josh Nelson and the Jazz Forefront." - Bob Agnew, L.A. Jazz Scene (excerpt from "First Stories" liner notes) "How about that piano player? Boy is he going to go far!" - Bill Watrous, trombonist "The record (Emergence) really sounds great. Josh is a really talented composer and pianist, and I think great things will happen for him." - Bill Cunliffe, pianist "Nelson is an exciting up and coming player." - John Stowell, guitarist "Josh Nelson has exploded in popularity over the past two years...he's touted by some critics as a major force in jazz in Los Angeles." - P. Catherine Shanks, Daily News "It is Nelson's wide-ranging musical interests, and his desire to further explore and express those interests in future writing and performing, that makes Nelson a musician to watch in the years ahead." - Richard Pitnick, Coast Weekly "["First Stories" displays] solid, confident musicianship, a verve that is often missing in some major label releases and songwriting that doesn't sacrifice melody for innovation.... Nelson has an innate sense of swing and rhythm." - Mac Macdonald, GO! Art Calendar “As you listen, I think you will agree the we have the jazz leadership for years to come.” - Bob Agnew, LA Jazz Scene “ Nelson’s piano soloing is marvelous...”
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