Mortimer Nelson's most recent CD "Well" ranks #1 on my Top 10 desert island list!  It passes the multiple listening litmus test with flying colors, and actually seems to get better and better with each listening.  

The CD is compositionally complex, yet highly approachable, easily capturing the attention of the most sophisticated listener. 

"Well" includes 12 songs, 11 of which are Nelson’s own compositions, the 12th being his fresh and unique rendition of the Paul Desmond classic, "Take 5".  The works are all rich and textural, each cut suggesting a unique sonic journey. 
 
While it’s hard to choose a favorite cut, here are some standouts:  "Waves" is a nod to surf music, on which Nelson successfully adds his own personal stamp.  "Positively Maybe" conjures images of a porch swing a lazy summer afternoon. "Increments" entrances with its indescribably lush chord work. Even the longer cuts, ("Back Again" and "Lost River"), are spellbinding.  

After having listened more times than I can count, the sonic voyage continues and keeps me coming back for more.
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Mortimer Nelson “Well”  2007  Chickadee Music

The debut CD “Poor Player” by Mortimer Nelson was received well by his fans and the press.  Now in 2007, Mortimer Nelson presents his follow up CD called “Well”. Nelson is an acoustic guitar player from Seattle, USA. The music he presents is a progressive form of jazz.
As a creator of atmosphere, he absorbs a listener on 12 adventurous musical journeys. There are some duets on it like “Waves” and Take 5” from Paul Desmond. All other compositions are written by Mortimer Nelson. The music is very attractive with deep layers in unobserved musical territory. Nelson has the gift to compose very excellent melody lines and wonderful chord changes in a melancholic
and soothing ambiance.His guitar techniques are noteworthy and sometimes are reminiscent to Pat Metheny’s approach to guitar playing presented on his CD “One Quiet Night”.The solo tracks like “Mission”, “August” and for instance“Lost River” are top- notch guitar pennings which will impress any guitar enthusiast. Many of the pieces give one an impression of a question and answer theme,which are all woven together with moving sound escapades. Nelson
is as well a gifted composer as an excellent provocative guitar player.  Check him out!

Henk te Veldhuis
© 2006
Bridge Guitar Reviews
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