New London Big Band Performing At Branford Jazz Series July 7

Submitted by Branford Parks & Recreation:

"What originally started as a dream, to be part of a big band, an epic one at that, comprised of 17 talented and energetic musicians which he could call his own turned into a reality for New London Big Band leader and director Sean Nelson.

While walking along the historic streets of New London in 2016, Nelson and a friend noticed a new establishment opening up soon for business, 'The Social Bar & Kitchen,' which would feature burgers and beers. With his intriguing nature and curious mind working at its best and approaching the owner of the establishment, Nelson sold his idea of bringing in a big band to perform there. After a few phone calls to the best musicians he knew and collecting the sheet music to all his favorite tunes, 'The Social' had its entertainment, Nelson had his band and the rest as they say is history.

Now with an unlimited amount of passion and talent in performing tunes ranging from the Roaring 20’s to brand-new compositions, to a mix of classic jazz standards, upbeat dance tunes, and original music by band members, and regularly features instrumental and vocal soloists, this all-star jazz group comes to Branford on July 7th as part of the Branford Series.

The leader and founder of the New London Big Band, Nelson by day, is enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he plays with the Coast Guard Band, Dixieland Jazz Band, and works as staff arranger for all ensembles. In addition, he is music director for the Guardians Big Band, where he has presented concerts with guests including Doc Severinsen, Joe McCarthy and Lou Marini.

As an arranger and composer, Sean worked on the production team for the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting, creating several arrangements for guests including Andra Day, Kelsea Ballerini, and Tori Kelly. This program was performed for the Obama family and heard nationally on PBS. Sean has won the National Band Association Young Composers Jazz Composition Contest and is a two­ time winner of Downbeat Magazine’s Student Jazz Arranging Contest. He attended the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, where he studied with Jim McNeely and Mike Holober. He currently works as the arranger for Sam Houston State University Bearkat Marching Band, writing new shows each season.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Sean received a Bachelor of Music degree from Sam Houston State Quartet Contest, and he was honorable mention in the ITA’s Frank Smith Solo Competition. He spent his summers and winter breaks playing in house bands on cruise ships for Princess Cruises and Cunard Cruises. Sean is on the faculty of the University of Connecticut, where he teaches jazz trombone.

The band consists of five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, upright bass, and drum set, represent 10 states, hold 30 music degrees, and seven are professors.

The band won “Best Jazz Band” for CTNOW’s Best of Hartford.

“The Branford Jazz Concert Series is a real gem along the shoreline - great bands, beautiful parks, warm and receptive audience - and it is such a treat to be a part of it! All of us in the band are very much looking forward to it,” said Nelson.