Born into a show business family, Nelsen was already a professional musician at 15. A true "Blues Journeyman" Nelsen earned his stripes playing tough, gritty joints and taverns of the East Coast Blues Circuit. He opened for and shared the stage with such greats as Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Matt "Guitar" Murphy and Pine Top Perkins. Inspired by these legends, Nelsen developed a melodic driving style on both guitar and harmonics. A world class blues vocalist, Nelsen's voice is truly an expressive instrument. Striking the right balance of torment, and tenderness so essential to this style.
Nelsen recorded his first solo album "Blues Got A Hold On Me" with J Bird Records in 1999. Strong local sales and southern air play got him a deal for his second album with then fledgling label Hot Rod Records. Recording the basic tracks in LA and flying to Austin to put the finishing touches on the record with some of Austin's hottest session slingers. Jack Of All Trades was released to rave reviews in 2003.
His third album was a send up to the Louisiana style of Blues that has influenced Nelsen throughout his career. "Take Me Back" is a true showcase of Nelsen's vocal ability as well as showing off his songwriting skills, and his proficiency on guitar, harp and piano.
"Nelsen Adelard Unplugged" made it to #10 on the Living Blues Charts and features originals that have appeared on earlier albums plus some Blues standards. Engineered and produced by Richard Robinson ( Grammy Nominated engineer) who captures the raw organic dynamic of Nelsen's vocals as well as showing off his skills on guitar and harp. As Nelsen puts it "This album gives you an inside look into a weekend's worth of playing and singing with some dear friends"
2007 saw the re-release of Nelsen's first album. Aptly re-titled Blues Still Got A Hold On Me. Remastering by Richard Robinson brought the early album back to life getting strong airplay and remaining on the Roots Blues Charts for over 15 weeks.
Following the re-release of Nelsen's debut album was the 2008 release "South By Southwest". The title has nothing to do with Austin's annual music festival, but it best describes Nelsen's musical journey from Los Angeles to his new home in McComb Mississippi. Teaming up once again with recording wizard Richard Robinson to cook up this very tasty slice of American Blues Pie.
For the new 2015 album "Voodou By You", Nelsen hooked up with his old friend and band mate, Jon Puhl. Puhl brought with him a tight rhythm section of Mick Donner on bass and Phil Christman on drums. Nelsen's old friend and west coast band mate, Mark Norris even pops in for a couple tracks on the saxophone.
The album is a smoking example of their combined talents. Excellent performances, great riffs and a no nonsense approach to modern Blues. Mixed and mastered by Richard Robinson. "Voodou By You" is another notch on Nelsen's metaphoric Blues belt that is guaranteed to keep you listening.
