“SMOKIN’ JOE”

NELSON’S LATEST RADIO SINGLE

"When I was a kid, and throughout my musical career, some of my biggest heroes and favorite contemporary jazz composers were Joe Sample, Bob James, Dave Grusin, Herbie. I have a lot of heroes from that time. They still are. I couldn't wait to go to the used record or CD store to find some new copy of any recording they might be on. I still look for them." - Nelson

“BY LIGHT”

NELSON’S LATEST album

Bringing inspired passion to the sax and masterful energy to the flute,
Nelson Rangell has been one of Smooth Jazz’s most dynamic and versatile reed players over the past 30 years.

Over a career of more than four decades, the multi-talented musician’s most recent album “By Light” finds him exploring new and exciting creative concepts. True to its title, the collection balances bright and engaging melodies with intense and deeply emotional playing. Along with sax driven, mostly up-tempo pop and contemporary jazz, Rangell also shares his artistry on several flute centered pieces that showcase his virtuosity and wonderful improvisational abilities on that instrument.

LIVE DATES

Nelson’s upcoming live dates will be listed here as they are confirmed.
To be notified when an event is booked in your area, please go here and click “follow”.

DISCOGRAPHY

Nelson has released eighteen full length albums (including “By Light”)
and many radio singles throughout his career. His latest single is "Gratitude".

Listen to clips and learn more by clicking on the covers or on the button below…

VIDEOS

ABOUT nelson

Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is “an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil.” The Times of London notes his "undoubted virtuosity" and "extraordinary facility on a range of instruments”. Saxophone Journal writes “He commands the alto saxophone with such authority there can be no denying that Nelson Rangell is a true artist,” and Flute Talk Magazine states “Nelson Rangell creates the impression that anything is possible when he improvises.” Such praise is confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre.

EQUIPMENT

I play on an unlacquered WoodStone New Vintage alto saxophone from Ishimori Wind Instruments in Tokyo Japan. I think this is a great instrument, the best modern alto I've played. The WoodStones are technologically excellent horns, that also have real spirit and soul in their response, feel and sound.

My tenor is a beautiful dark lacquer WoodStone New Vintage tenor sax from Ishimori.
Everything I feel about my WoodStone alto applies to the WS tenor. 

I sometimes also play an Ishimori WoodStone Yamaha Z alto. This is a special edition Z made by Yamaha in collaboration with Ishimori. They're available exclusively through Ishimori in Tokyo. The WoodStone Z is super accurate, beautifully regulated and free blowing. It's a wonderful horn and a lot of fun to play.

I own an old Yamaha 62 Soprano. I have one of the very first ones made.

I play Theo Wanne mouthpieces on alto and tenor. I principally play my hard rubber Wanne Durga 3s on alto with a 9 tip opening. I also play a Wanne Mantra 8 with a further opened, customized tip opening, (all are about .90) and a Durga 5 #9. On tenor I mostly play an old Wanne Datta 8. I own both a hard rubber version and a metal version that are extremely comfortable for me. I also play on a Wanne Durga 5 # 8. Theo is a great person and a real scientist. He puts all his head and heart into his mouthpieces. All his work is state of the art.

I play WoodStone alto and tenor reeds #3 (pretty much a medium strength reed) The WoodStone reeds are very high quality, "even" and responsive. I hugely appreciate that I get a high number of them that play well in every box on both alto and tenor. They've been great reeds for me.

Brancher straps are the best. They're super comfortable and strong. The Bolero tenor vest / strap is a huge help for weight distribution and taking stress out of long tenor practice!

My flute is an old beloved Yamaha 681 flute with a fantastic Drelinger "Max Air"  gold flute headjoint. My piccolo is an old Yamaha 62 piccolo, also with a great Drelinger piccolo headjoint.