Search - Steve Nelson :: Fuller Nelson

Steve Nelson & Kirk Lightsey--the un-odd couple

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 06/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd forgotten what a great jazz pianist Kirk Lightsey is. Which is kinda strange, because he led a session (on Sunny Side, no less) way back in the mid '80s, I think, that got me into jazz: Everything Is Changed, featuring the great Santi Wilson DeBriano on bass, Jerry Gonzalez on trumpet and percussion, and I forget who on drums. What struck me about Lightsey back then, when I was first getting into jazz--and what he displays fully on this disc--is a dancing, deep-swinging quality. He may not be the greatest technician, but my, oh my, can he lay down a groove. And not only is his sense of rhythm and timing uniquely his own, his chord voicings and coloration always seem completely apposite, if unexpected. In fact, I would venture to say he's one of the all-time best compers in the history of jazz. Not that he can't pull off brilliant solos; it's just that his conversational skills rank among the very best of any jazz pianist, living or dead. One listen to the paradisal magic of "Heaven Dance," perhaps his signature composition, will lift the listener into the highest precincts of joyousness.Steve Nelson on vibes stands in relation to his instrument as perhaps Charles Barkley or Karl Malone stand in relation to the NBA: if it were not for Michael Jordan, each would've won at least one NBA title; and if it were not for Bobby Hutcherson, the Michael Jordan of his generation of vibes players, Steve Nelson would undoubtedly be regarded as the most masterful vibes player to come along since Milt Jackson. Actually, he's beginning to get his due as a long-time member of the Dave Holland Quintet, but, as this disc amply demonstrates, he's also a monster bandleader in his own right.Interestingly, this date, recorded nearly a decade later, brings back the same trio (Nelson, vibes; Lightsey, piano; Ray Drummond, bass) that marked Nelson's debut as leader. It's fascinating to compare the two. The thing that stands out most is the gravitas, the res, that the leader has acquired in the interim, as composer, bandleader, and player. Always a player thoroughly familiar with the rich history of his instrument, he has so completely assimilated the artistry of its masters as to at once casually reference them even as he creates his own deeply personal and unique statements.For me, this is what jazz is all about: great players (not always the most well known or recognized), great tunes, great conversation, all lightly worn, conjured, almost, out of thin air. I could listen to this disc all day long and not grow tired of it, constantly hearing new and remarkable subtleties and offhand genius. After all, isn't that why we listen to this altogether extraordinary music? At least, that's why I do. And this disc delivers. Big time.Highest recommendation."

A Long Time Between Recordings For this Trio!

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 08/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nine years!......but it's well worth the wait on this extension of the first cd, "Full Nelson". If anything this trio has gotten better with time on a highly lyrical set proving once more that good jazz need not be frenetic or strident. The members of this trio sound as though they had played together for years especially when listening to the highly intricate inter-leaving of ideas in both solos and support. This is a nicely balanced set of standards and originals which always appear fresh to this listener! A nice edition to the library of anyone who appreciates vibes in a style similar to Milt Jackson as well as excellent piano work by Kirk Lightsey rounded out by bassist Ray Drummond."