Steve Nelson © Andrea Canter

Pittsburgh native Steve Nelson graduated from Rutgers University with Masters and Bachelors degrees in music. Influenced by Milt Jackson while evolving his own sound, he gigged with Grant Green in the 1970s, and since has performed and/or recorded with Kenny Barron, Bobby Watson, Mulgrew Miller, David Fathead Newman, Johnny Griffin, Jackie McLean and Buster Williams, and has been a member of Dave Holland’s Quintet and Big Band for over a decade. Of his role in Dave Holland’s ensembles, Martin Longley (Jazzreview) offered that “Steve Nelson plays an important role throughout, his tingly-spine sparks acting as a piano alternative, establishing a unique form of punctuation for the whole band…” His recordings as a leader include Live at Acireale (Red Records), Full Nelson and Fuller Nelson (Sunnyside), New Beginnings (TCB), and Communications (Criss Cross). Nelson is also a dedicated jazz educator who has taught at Princeton University.

At Steamers (L-R): Kevin Kanner, Ruan McGillicuddy, Annie Sellick and Eli Brueggemann (Photo: Glenn Mitchell)

Her trio backing her this night: Pianist, Eli Brueggemann; bassist, Ryan McGillacuddy; and drummer, Kevin Kanner. These guys worked unbelievably well together, starting off the evening by playing ever-popular jazz standard, Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance.”

Sellick began her set with “It Might As Well Be Spring.” The audience was taken with her, especially with her natural stage present. She not only sings very well, but entertains them in her sultry style and keeps their attention throughout her show. A highlight of the set was her rendition of “I’ve Got the World on a String.” Her pianist for this evening, Brueggemann, provides some super sharp playing and arranging talents and along with her two strong sidemen, gave a “knock-out” backing. He also had a splendid arrangement for Sellick singing “Besame Mucho.” Bassist McGillicuddy’s solo shined beyond compare.