Nelo

While not actually a “new band,” Austin based nelo (rhymes with jello) are releasing their debut CD on Houston’s Justice Records as well as Pedernales Records, owned by Willie Nelson and the discs producer (and Willie’s nephew) Freddy Fletcher. The band consists of Matt Ragland-acoustic guitars, 12-string guitar, backing vocals; Reid Umstattd- lead vocals; Stephen Goodson-electric guitars; David Long-tenor saxophone; Mike St. Clair-bass trombone, trumpet, organ, trombone, backing vocals; and Chris Hill-drums and percussion.

The band built up a following with relentless touring. Their MySpace page has had over 200,000 song streams since starting two years ago! Amazing for a band without a CD! The genesis of the band was over 10 years ago with a number of the guys jamming together in high school in Dallas. Three of them, Goodson, Hill and Long took off to University of North Texas in Denton to study jazz while Ragland and Umstattd were playing together around Austin. In 2002 they all got back together adding another UNT alum St. Clair and nelo was born. Obviously this was an already seasoned group of musicians. St. Clair has a masters in jazz studies and toured with the Glen Miller Orchestra before joining nelo. Evidence of their extensive musical training are evident throughout the disc. The band uses the horns (saxophone, trumpet and trombone) very well, whether it be as a backing horn section as on “You Don’t Know,” or as a feature instrument as is the slow mournful saxophone solo on “Alright.”

The band had moved to Athens in 2005 and was doing well there when a homemade demo garnered a lot of attention back in Texas. Freddy Fletcher had people telling him he needed to check out the band and finally did at Momo’s is Austin last year. He quickly signed them and the band moved back to Austin to begin recording. Notable throughout the disc is the influence of Dave Matthews on the band. Besides the obvious jazz influences, the band lists Matthews, as well as Stevie Wonder and Duane Allman as influences. All of these influences, extensive training, and road experience combine to give a very enjoyable debut disc from an already seasoned group. “Jumping Bean” is an infectiously upbeat tune that is the catchiest new tune I’ve heard so far this year. “Footsteps” features seamless blending of acoustic guitar and saxophone. Previously mentioned tune “You Don’t Know” is another standout with a bluesy feel and backing horn section, reminiscent of Roomful of Blues. The band also has one of the coolest Web sites I’ve seen in awhile. Check out their website or their MySpace page and listen to a few of the tunes.  I think after that you’ll be adding to your CD collection!