NEW YORK, NY – GUITARIST PAUL NELSON ANNOUNCES DEBUT RELEASE FROM NEW PROJECT “THE PAUL
NELSON BAND” TITLED “BADASS GENERATION” – ON FEBRUARY 5TH 2016 VIA FRIDAY MUSIC / SONY
MUSIC GROUP.
For Paul Nelson, a new musical chapter beckons…
Nelson was not only guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of
today’s premier guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor.
“The blues world does that. One musician hands you the torch, and then you try to run with it. Johnny took pride in
turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues – all the
music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative for that.”
Worldwide touring has always been a constant in his career. Nelson and his time with Winter was no different,
performing and/or recording along side an array of today’s top artists such as: Slash, Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Warren
Haynes, Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, Edgar Winter, Leslie West, Susan Tedeshi,
Joe Bonamassa, Dickey Betts, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Larry Carlton, Robben
Ford and countless others. Major appearances such as television performances on
“Late Night with David Letterman” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” soon followed. This
finally led Nelson to perform on and produce “Step Back,” a posthumous, starstudded
affair, – pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe
Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy
Awards for “Best Blues Album” in 2015. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and
mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.
The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and new self-titled album marks the next
step in that evolution. Nelson’s latest project still maintains an unmistakable
connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical
dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven
singer-songwriter fare.
“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Like the debut albums of Aerosmith
or Van Halen, this self-titled debut is hot with licks that are in service to the song. That, right there, puts it
a cut above. Nelson’s sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten
Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain’t got nothin’ on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and
punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” – Goldmine Magazine
On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson’s
fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar – what you might expect of someone
who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of
music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to
play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music.”
says Nelson.
Nelson’s handpicked co-conspirators include vocalist Morten Fredheim, who turned heads topping the European edition
of “The Voice”, bassist Christopher Alexander; and Chris Reddan on drums. Gov’t Mule keyboardist Danny Louis also
makes a cameo appearance. The collective result is something that’s musically rooted in the classic era of Led Zeppelin,
Free, Bad Company, Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, Aerosmith and ZZ Top – but right at home with a fresh new
take in the 21st century. “We got together and painstakingly worked out these songs before we recorded them. The
caliber of the musicians in this band is inspiring” Nelson explains.
Nelson is eager to begin this new stage of his career with his band mates. Songs such as “Keep It All Together” with
Fredheim’s soaring vocals, and Nelson’s classic guitar sounds to “Goodbye Forever”, with it’s infectious groove and
chorus and “Please Come Home” displaying emotional melodies and soulful slide guitar work, all which are among the
few future stand out classics found on this album. “I want our music to touch many people in the same way it did us in
the making and performing of this album” says Nelson. His only regret? That his old friend wasn’t able to sit in on a few
of the tunes. “Johnny Winter’s influence will always be a part of me,” he says. “There are many times when I pick up my
guitar, and I feel his music. I know he’s with me in a way, but I also have influences from so many other places. Have I
now spread my wings? Absolutely. I’m a musician. I have to keep on writing and performing and never stop.”
The album’s title “Badass Generation” says it all! The music on this latest recording speaks to today’s generation’s quest
for something new and this band’s music does just that, – through great song writing and musicianship making for one
great musical ride!
“Love this album—the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” – Wall Street Journal
NELSON BAND” TITLED “BADASS GENERATION” – ON FEBRUARY 5TH 2016 VIA FRIDAY MUSIC / SONY
MUSIC GROUP.
For Paul Nelson, a new musical chapter beckons…
Nelson was not only guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of
today’s premier guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor.
“The blues world does that. One musician hands you the torch, and then you try to run with it. Johnny took pride in
turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues – all the
music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative for that.”
Worldwide touring has always been a constant in his career. Nelson and his time with Winter was no different,
performing and/or recording along side an array of today’s top artists such as: Slash, Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Warren
Haynes, Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, Edgar Winter, Leslie West, Susan Tedeshi,
Joe Bonamassa, Dickey Betts, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Larry Carlton, Robben
Ford and countless others. Major appearances such as television performances on
“Late Night with David Letterman” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” soon followed. This
finally led Nelson to perform on and produce “Step Back,” a posthumous, starstudded
affair, – pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe
Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy
Awards for “Best Blues Album” in 2015. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and
mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.
The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and new self-titled album marks the next
step in that evolution. Nelson’s latest project still maintains an unmistakable
connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical
dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven
singer-songwriter fare.
“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Like the debut albums of Aerosmith
or Van Halen, this self-titled debut is hot with licks that are in service to the song. That, right there, puts it
a cut above. Nelson’s sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten
Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain’t got nothin’ on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and
punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” – Goldmine Magazine
On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson’s
fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar – what you might expect of someone
who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of
music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to
play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music.”
says Nelson.
Nelson’s handpicked co-conspirators include vocalist Morten Fredheim, who turned heads topping the European edition
of “The Voice”, bassist Christopher Alexander; and Chris Reddan on drums. Gov’t Mule keyboardist Danny Louis also
makes a cameo appearance. The collective result is something that’s musically rooted in the classic era of Led Zeppelin,
Free, Bad Company, Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, Aerosmith and ZZ Top – but right at home with a fresh new
take in the 21st century. “We got together and painstakingly worked out these songs before we recorded them. The
caliber of the musicians in this band is inspiring” Nelson explains.
Nelson is eager to begin this new stage of his career with his band mates. Songs such as “Keep It All Together” with
Fredheim’s soaring vocals, and Nelson’s classic guitar sounds to “Goodbye Forever”, with it’s infectious groove and
chorus and “Please Come Home” displaying emotional melodies and soulful slide guitar work, all which are among the
few future stand out classics found on this album. “I want our music to touch many people in the same way it did us in
the making and performing of this album” says Nelson. His only regret? That his old friend wasn’t able to sit in on a few
of the tunes. “Johnny Winter’s influence will always be a part of me,” he says. “There are many times when I pick up my
guitar, and I feel his music. I know he’s with me in a way, but I also have influences from so many other places. Have I
now spread my wings? Absolutely. I’m a musician. I have to keep on writing and performing and never stop.”
The album’s title “Badass Generation” says it all! The music on this latest recording speaks to today’s generation’s quest
for something new and this band’s music does just that, – through great song writing and musicianship making for one
great musical ride!
“Love this album—the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” – Wall Street Journal