Josh Nelson
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Pianist and composer Josh Nelson maintains an active and creative schedule. He has performed with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Natalie Cole, Anthony Wilson, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Walter Smith III, Dayna Stephens, Alicia Olatuja, Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, Richard Galliano, Michael Buble, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, Greg Hutchinson, John Clayton, Seamus Blake, Matt Wilson, Sara Gazarek, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, and Lewis Nash.
Josh has performed around the world and recorded for numerous albums, films, and TV shows, but also makes time for his own projects: Discoveries (2011), introduced a pairing of classic science fiction ephemera with new compositions for a brass and wind ensemble. Exploring Mars (2015) explored musical themes on the Red Planet, along with spectacular NASA/JPL Martian video footage. Dream in the Blue (2016) documented Josh in an intimate duo setting with his longtime collaborator, vocalist Sara Gazarek. The Sky Remains (2017) delved into musical stories and themes originating from his hometown of Los Angeles. His latest release is The Discovery Project Live in Japan (2020).
Josh has earned many awards, scholarships and accolades over the years, some of which include the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award. In 2006, Josh was one of only twelve semi-finalists in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. Josh also toured the world for 6 beautiful years with the legendary vocalist Natalie Cole.