Alva Nelson is a multi-faceted musician who performs and creates music that is diverse, sophisticated and exhilarating. As a pianist, Nelson has performed with Lightnin’ Hopkins, Kirk Whalum, David “Fathead” Newman, Arnett Cobb, Tramaine Hawkins, Phyllis Hyman, Regina Belle, Eddie Harris, Martha Wash, Odetta, The Chantells, and Chuck Jackson. Believe or not, Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Kuumba Frank Lacy, & Paul Carr, were all students of Alva Nelson and some time in their development. As a sideman, Nelson has recorded with Lonnie Plaxico, Charley Gerard, Bubbha Thomas & the Lightmen, Michael C. Lewis, and Jim Papoulis. Alva has been musical director (and/or Asst MD) for regional theatre productions including “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, “Sam Cooke, Forever Mr. Soul,” “Violet” “A Brief History of White Music” “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”, “...Love, Langston”, “If This Hat Could Talk”, “Black Broadway” and a slew of other shows as a pit musician. As a producer, his credits include two recent projects for Dorothy Leigh. Alva wrote three songs for Leigh’s “A Second Chance” (Whitley Productions, Inc.), a compilation of ten original songs, all arranged for Nelson’s 17-piece orchestra. In stark contrast, “Intimate Moments” is a beautiful collection of jazz standards featuring Nelson’s piano and Leigh’s vocals in ten duets. Alva Nelson has released two recordings as a jazz pianist, “African Suite”(Pyramyd Records) and “Soul Eyes”(Kilosi Keys Music), both CDs showcasing Nelson’s composing skills. An upcoming third CD, also all original compositions, is mostly a smooth jazz effort entitled “Behavior Modification”. Alva produced Juanita Flemings’ “Redeemed”(BAKA Records), which is a Gospel/Jazz Hybrid further highlighting his arranging skills and Fleming’s songwriting ability. Juanita contributed five songs to Dorothy Leigh’s “A Second Chance”. Nelson’s arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s “Send One Your Love” on Robin Eubanks’ “Karma” (Polydor Records), and the single, “Another Chance to Give” by Genie Pepper Swinson (for the New York City Organ Donor Foundation) are other examples of Alva Nelson’s musical creativity. All in all, Alva Nelson has a lot going on, the way he likes it, as long as he is doing it musically.
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