A saxophonist, flautist, clarinetist and bass clarinetist, Anthony Nelson is blessed with an inherent talent that is boundless in its ability to reach across generational and genre lines. While his performance skills were created and sharpened growing up playing in clubs, Nelson decided to further his professional studies by enrolling at the University of the District of Columbia. There he was fortunate to study under master arranger Calvin Jones. He later went on to William Paterson University under the tutelage of Gary Smulyan and Vincent Herring.
A formidable talent in his own right, Nelson has graced the stage with an array of phenomenal figures, ranging in genres including the O’jays, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Ray Charles Orchestra, and the Count Basie Orchestra. Nelson has also served as the clarinetist in the quintet of MacAruthur award winner and Grammy nominated violinist, Regina Carter, appearing with her on NPR's Jazz Set.
Nelson’s debut solo CD, "Testament: Live At Cecil's", has gone as high as #22 on the national Jazz Charts. With songs such as Paula Danielle, Nelson’s genius harkens back to a time when music told a story, uncomplicated by unimaginative beats and technological advances that take away from the song’s soul. Nelson is a proud “Vandoren Artist”, using Vandoren reeds, mouthpieces and ligatures exclusively. Nelson also plays Yanagisawa saxophones exclusively.
Nelson’s new CD: “Tenor For Two”, is now available!!!
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