Leading a blue-chip quartet composed of pianist Danny Grissett, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Lewis Nash, vibist Steve Nelson has put together an imaginative setlist that serves as a tribute to the late pianist Mulgrew Miller, with whom Nelson enjoyed a long and fruitful musical collaboration and friendship.
Throughout the date the interplay of the quartet is engaging, the creativity unflagging and the joy in the music making is always apparent. 'Brothers Under the Sun' is a substantial addition to Steve Nelson's far-too-small discography as a leader.
Nelson made a big splash as a newcomer in the jazz polls at the end of the '80s just as the vibraphone began to re-emerge as one of jazz's favourite instruments. The cool, drifty, slightly detached sound of the vibraphone will forever be associated with great jazz players like Lionel Hampton, Gary Burton and others, but Nelson has firmly established himself as a leader of top-notch small ensembles that showcase his own personal voice on the instrument.
Personnel: Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Danny Grissett (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Lewis Nash (drums)
Tracklist:
1. The more I see you
2. Eastern joy dance
3. Grew's tune
4. Soul-Leo
5. It never entered my mind
6. Samba d'blue
7. Brothers under the sun
8. For those who do
9. New wheels
10. Melody for Mulgrew
Released 2017.