by Sharon Gissy
If you've heard of Beaver Nelson without delving into his music, that is perfectly natural as he has been recording for twenty-five years. Originally emerging from Austin's roots rock scene in the late 1980s and early 90s that included such names as Lucinda Williams, Bob Schneider, and David Halley, among others, Nelson has distinguished himself as a singer/songwriter with a strong tenor voice, melodic pop hooks, and literate, often humorous lyrics. His new collection Positive, to be released August 22nd, is a good introduction to his music for newcomers, featuring both current songs and those reminiscent of a bygone Austin scene of the last millennium, and stylistically balanced between up-tempo rockers and songs with a more contemplative, almost hymnal quality.
Positive is a record spanning Nelson's career, and was produced by long-time collaborator Scrappy Jud Newcomb, who has also produced such artists as Patty Griffin and Slaid Cleaves. While Scrappy and Beaver worked closely with Nelson bandmates Matt Eskey and Mark Patterson to release the album, Nelson reports that the final decisions rested on Newcomb. "On this album he was totally in charge of interpreting my songs. He kept removing chords and creating more room sonically for things like percussion and background vocals. I'm really proud of the way it turned out," states Nelson. Nelson also received some help on the record from producer/guitarist Rich Brotherton (Robert Earl Keen, David Halley) and bassist George Reiff (Dixie Chicks, The Jayhawks).
In addition to releasing Positive on August 22nd, Nelson will begin to tour in support of the record in the fall. Below are some tour dates with more to be announced.
September 16 Austin, TX Strange Brew Lounge Side (Record Release Party)
September 17 Houston, TX Continental Club (Record Release Party)
September 21 Knoxville, TN Sweet P's BBQ & Soul House
September 26 Arlington, VA IOTA Club & Cafe
September 28 New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall
If you've heard of Beaver Nelson without delving into his music, that is perfectly natural as he has been recording for twenty-five years. Originally emerging from Austin's roots rock scene in the late 1980s and early 90s that included such names as Lucinda Williams, Bob Schneider, and David Halley, among others, Nelson has distinguished himself as a singer/songwriter with a strong tenor voice, melodic pop hooks, and literate, often humorous lyrics. His new collection Positive, to be released August 22nd, is a good introduction to his music for newcomers, featuring both current songs and those reminiscent of a bygone Austin scene of the last millennium, and stylistically balanced between up-tempo rockers and songs with a more contemplative, almost hymnal quality.
Positive is a record spanning Nelson's career, and was produced by long-time collaborator Scrappy Jud Newcomb, who has also produced such artists as Patty Griffin and Slaid Cleaves. While Scrappy and Beaver worked closely with Nelson bandmates Matt Eskey and Mark Patterson to release the album, Nelson reports that the final decisions rested on Newcomb. "On this album he was totally in charge of interpreting my songs. He kept removing chords and creating more room sonically for things like percussion and background vocals. I'm really proud of the way it turned out," states Nelson. Nelson also received some help on the record from producer/guitarist Rich Brotherton (Robert Earl Keen, David Halley) and bassist George Reiff (Dixie Chicks, The Jayhawks).
In addition to releasing Positive on August 22nd, Nelson will begin to tour in support of the record in the fall. Below are some tour dates with more to be announced.
September 16 Austin, TX Strange Brew Lounge Side (Record Release Party)
September 17 Houston, TX Continental Club (Record Release Party)
September 21 Knoxville, TN Sweet P's BBQ & Soul House
September 26 Arlington, VA IOTA Club & Cafe
September 28 New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall
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