Chris Nelson
Well of Good Hope
© 2007 Chris Nelson (634479644573) (format: CD-R)
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Dreamy acoustic tunes rooted in folk but unique in their intricate, often jazzy harmonies and instrumentation. Think Nick Drake, Hem, and Joni Mitchell re-imagined by Sondheim.
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Raised on classical music, Chris Nelson of Ann Arbor, Michigan, colors his folk and jazz-pop tunes with intricate harmonies and rich arrangements. Occasional brass and woodwinds subtly mesh with Chris’s piano, guitar, and smooth vocals.
“Well of Good Hope” is a home-studio album by an artist who prefers to sidestep the traditional music business and devote his creative energy mainly to songwriting. In an era when self-expression is valued over craft, Chris values both and clings to the Great American Songbook tradition of polishing a song into a gem.
Chris Nelson is a winner of the 2007 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest.
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incredible arrangements and musicianship
author: B. TellI've listened to the tunes on Well of Good Hope dozens of times since first hearing it a few years ago (I was lucky enough to have received a pre-release copy when he Chris was first working on it). I was, and continue to be, blown away by the subtlty, intricacy, range of emotions and talent that comes through in these songs. It's not only his incredible musicianship, but his knack for arrangement, phrasing and melody that is truly impressive. Listening to Chris' music is like listening to all the great rainy-day songs all over again, except just as each new Spring or Fall shower has its own unique, fresh richness, so too do Chris' tunes. Chris, keep it up; can't wait for more.
- author: pj
"Well...." It isn't just the music that flows so well, Chris makes it sound deceptively easy, but it's his lyrics which take these songs beyond the ordinary and pushes the listener into new areas of thought and emotion. The emotion behind Chris's music is felt in every piece. Also, I particularly enjoyed the organ on "Rain" and in the "Magic Shop"! Cheers!
Well of Good Hope
author: ConnieGentle music with a jazzy, folk music sound, easy on the ears, with complex key changes. The title song, "The Well of Good Hope" gives one comfort and hope. At time the vocals are reminiscent of Michael Bolton's or James Taylor's gravelly voice, an easy beat like that of Carole King's music. Chris Nelson is an original songwriter and composer. At times the vocals are reminiscent of Michael Bolton's or James Taylor's gravelly voice, an easy beat like that of Carole King's music. Chris Nelson is an original songwriter and composer.
Well of Good Hope
author: L.N. JonesChris Nelson's voice reminds me of Cat Stevens and his lyrics like James Taylor. The album is what you would give to a friend enjoys sweet melodies with good lyrics. He makes you feel like you're sitting around with a good friend who just wrote a song for you.
Like A Fluid Day With Old Friends
author: BridgetYou know those days or weekends when you just hang out with old friends talking, eating, and not worrying about the passing of time? That is what "The Well of Good Hope" is like. We played a demo of his in the car for practically an entire Michigan winter (which is to say, 6 months) and never got tired of it. Nelson's warm folk overtones are nostalgic without being predictable thanks to the variety of instruments, harmonies, humor, and imagination. From the cozy "Old Friend" to the psychedelic shanty "Hello Sailor" to the simultaneously heartbreaking and upbeat "Well of Good Hope," this CD has what so many don't these days: sincerity and texture. In addition to Drake & Mitchell, I hear the soul of the early Beatles and the heart of Sufjan Stevens.