Anthony Nelson, Jr. is a musical genius who ignites the hearts of his fans. The sound is a unique blend of jazz’s timeless tranquility, gospel’s spirituality and funk’s more rough edges, creating a sound that’s unlike any other on the market today. Nelson is a saxophonist as well as a clarinetist, clarinetist, and flautist. His talent transcends genre and generational boundaries. Nelson was born with a natural gift for song and is a member Cantoris, a prestigious boy’s chorus in Plainfield, New Jersey. At the age of 11, he picked up the alto and then moved on to the high school tenor saxophone. To broaden his musical abilities, Nelson started to learn the clarinet and flute. Radam Schwartz, an organist at the Jazz Institute of N.J. mentored Nelson and he would eventually be featured on Schwartz’s album Magic Tales. Nelson enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia to continue his professional education. He was able to study with master arranger Calvin Jones, and Dr. Leroy Barton, a master woodwindist. Under the guidance of Vincent Herring and Gary Smulyan, he went to William Paterson University. He is a formidable talent and has been the clarinetist for the Quintet of MacAruthur award-winning and Grammy nominated violinist Regina Carter. They have toured and appeared on NPR’s Jazz Set. He has worked with such great artists as the Ojays and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Faith Evans, “Joe”, Henry McKenzie Davis and James Weidman. Ralph Peterson, Ralph Peterson and the Count Basie Orchestra. Cecil Brooks III, and T.S. Monk and Steve Turre are just a few of his credits. His expert solos dominate the instrumental accompaniment while touring with “The Devil’s Music”: The Life and Blues Of Bessie Smith. Anthony E. Nelson, Jr uses Vandoren mouthpieces, accessories, and reeds as well as Yanagisawa Saxophones. from www.yanagisawasax.co.jp
