Steve Nelson
born August 11, 1954
| Instrument | vibes |
| Birthplace | Pittsburgh, PA |
Available Leadsheets
- Blues All The Time - Steve Nelson Swing (slow)
- Brothers Under The Sun - Steve Nelson Swing (medium)
- Dannielle's Waltz - Steve Nelson 3/4 swing (medium)
- For Wes - Steve Nelson Ballad
- Kirk's New Delight - Steve Nelson Swing (medium)
- New Beginnings - Steve Nelson Swing (uptempo)
- One Thin Dime - Steve Nelson Swing (medium)
- Shape Shifting - Steve Nelson Swing (medium up)
- Song For Justine - Steve Nelson Swing (medium)
- Song For Tina - Steve Nelson 3/4 swing (medium up)
- Sound Essence - Steve Nelson Ballad
Vibraphonist Steve Nelson's career began in the early 1970s. His first touring experience was with the legendary guitarist Grant Green. Steve cites Milt Jackson as his first major influence, although in later years he developed a harmonically open sound influenced by Bobby Hutcherson. While attending the State University of New Jersey at Rutgers then-new jazz program, he met pianist Kenny Barron, drummer Freddie Waits, guitarist Ted Dunbar and reedman James Spaulding, who were all faculty members. Through them, he began to perform in New York City. In 1976, at age 22, Steve recorded with James Spaulding ("Plays The Music Of Duke Ellington"), and in 1980 recorded albums with Kenny Barron and Ted Dunbar.
He then went on to play with talents like Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy, James Williams, Mulgrew Miller, Donald Brown, Geoffrey Keezer and Lewis Nash. For five years, he was the vibraphonist for David "Fathead" Newman's band. He currently is a member of Dave Holland's Quintet and Big Band and is much in demand performing and recording with many other top artists. Steve currently has seven albums as a leader.