Anthony Nelson Jr.

Musician, composer and arranger Anthony Nelson Jr. first picked up the alto saxophone at 11 years old, before moving on to tenor in high school. When that wasn’t enough to satisfy his drive for diversity, he began playing the flute and clarinet to further stretch his range and musical ability. With an ability to float in and out of different genres, Nelson has managed to avoid tying himself down to any particular type of music. 

Nelson has also been privileged enough to work with a number of talented musicians, ranging in genres. His credit list includes such powerhouse artists as the Ojays, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Faith Evans, the Ray Charles Orchestra, and many more.

Gifted with the ability to both see and feel music, Nelson soon let loose his desire to compose and to released "Testament: Live At Cecil's", his debut solo CD, which stayed on the JazzWeek charts for 10 weeks. Nelson's has since released "Tenor For Two" and "Live @ Twins Jazz". With songs such as Silly, This Time Around, and Paula Danielle, Nelson’s genius harkens back to a time when music told a story, uncomplicated by unimaginative beats and technological advances that take away from the song’s soul.  In addition to Nelson’s many accomplishments as a musician, he also is the Artistic Director of the Shiloh Baptist Church "Jazz In the Sanctuary" Series, a jazz vespers presented in concert form. Under Nelson's direction, the Jazz In The Sanctuary Series has featured the likes of Steve Turre, Bruce Williams, Mark Gross, Cecil Brooks III and many other of the great standouts if today's jazz scene.