Josh Nelson

I Hear a Rhapsody

JazzWise Magazine
Reviewed by Peter Quinn
December 2009/ January 2010
Josh Nelson
I Hear A Rhapsody (Steel Bird SB005)
(Three Stars = Good)

If the Los Angeles, based pianist, composer and arranger Josh Nelson hasn’t crossed your radar yet, then this album is an excellent introduction. Framed by striking reinterpretations of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and “Here’s That Rainy Day”, both of which owe something to the high-velocity romanticism of Bill Evans, the disc’s true appeal lies in Nelson’s original compositions. Whether in the mournful chorale which haunts the ending of “Bhutto Song” (a tribute to the slain political leader), the clever major/minor ambiguities of “Nebulous”, or the almost classical development of the solo tour de force “Lullaby for Ludvig”, Nelson and his outstanding West Coast band achieve an incredible array of moods, emotions and textural detail. While Nelson’s “The Antidote” may have been inspired by a Keith Jarrett Standards Trio cut (“The Cure”), its soundworld owes more to another of his heroes, Herbie Hancock. Superior readings of “Theme from Chinatown” and “I Hear A Rhapsody” add luster to an impeccably programmed set.