"I believe preservation of all American Roots Music is imperative and needs to be ingrained with current and future generations. Just playing recordings of music from the past is not enough. When the youth of today witnesses a performance, it has more of a cultural impact which subsequently breathes new life into the genre."

Kirk Nelson: Savor The Moment

Kirk Nelson has been “showing off” since his first piano recital at a very young age. Having a long career as a professional musician with countless appearances he has shared the stage and recorded with many legends such as Buddy Guy, James Cotton and Bo Diddley to more contemporary artists like The Neville Brothers, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Robert Cray. After releasing two singles in 2022 the Kirk Nelson & Jambalaya West has just released a new album Called “Savor The Moment” (2024) which getting global airplay and currently charting. Savor The Moment, expands on the template the band laid down on their 2021 debut, Lagniappe. Nelson, a veteran keyboard player, singer and arranger with a mile-long list of credits as a sideman and bandleader, helms an all-star band through a dozen tracks that shimmy, shake and groove all over the musical map. Fusing funky soulful blues with NOLA style arrangements and little west coast bounce, the record seamlessly melds an array of traditions into an all-new, yet very familiar, set of grooves.

(Kirk Nelson, West Coast Rockin’ Blues with New Orleans Funky Jazz / Photo by Pilgrim Imagery)

“I’ve always gravitated toward that second line tradition,” he notes. “It’s a style that came to me very naturally. It reflects an old-timey type of jazzy blues that I use as a foundation to what I play and what I write. Our drummer loves the funky aspects of New Orleans music, so that’s allowed me to be flexible with older New Orleans style jazz arrangements and bolster them with some Fats Domino-inspired feels. I like the essence of that sound, but try to evolve it into a modern soul-blues framework.” Savor The Moment is a more than apt title, as the album plays out like a sonic crab boil being spilled on a picnic table; layers of flavors reveal themselves the more you dig in, offering - quite literally - more moments to savor.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Special Thanks: Larry Kay / Night Train PR

How has the music influenced your views of the world? Where does your creative drive come from?

I have produced many styles of music throughout my career. When composing for film you are called on to create the flavor that sometimes goes beyond the American or pop sound. I appreciate music from all parts of the world including Asian and African sounds. That has opened my mind to identify with many cultures.

Because of my passion for Jazz and Blues, when I write these types of tunes or compositions, the feel and creativity can be sparked from a simple lyrical hook, or a beat, that stimulates my muse. I can only describe it as a gift beyond my control.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Over the last five years I've chosen to create original songs and compositions that have come naturally to me. Technique can be more of a cerebral approach to writing or performing. That in itself can be minimal, as far as soul. Granted, there are successful artists with absolutely no educational background in their approach to composition, and also those educated sorts whose work can come across as somewhat sterile in a way. I have an extensive amount of technical knowledge, but I use it more for communicating during rehearsals or recording sessions with other musicians via charts and theory applications, but that's usually after the piece is created or mocked up.

"I have produced many styles of music throughout my career. When composing for film you are called on to create the flavor that sometimes goes beyond the American or pop sound. I appreciate music from all parts of the world including Asian and African sounds. That has opened my mind to identify with many cultures." (Photo: Kirk Nelson & Jambalaya West)

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

After taking piano lessons I performed classical music in front of audiences at a very young age for various recitals. I was introduced to Jazz/Roots styles mostly from my father, who was a working musician in the early part of the 20th century. They played what they used to call in the Midwest and south as ‘Hokum.’ After that, I became interested in Boogie, Stride and Blues piano styles.

After becoming a father, I spent more time domestically which led to more local (Southern California) gigs and session work for about 15 years. Then I decided to head back out on the road and continue my musical journey. 

There have been so many great moments in my career it would be difficult to list them all. Opening up for major artists like Buddy Guy and Robert Cray to producing recordings with legends like Bo Diddley will always stick out as highlights.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?

As a proponent of traditional American music, even up to some classic rock or a modern day catchy tune, I feel something is amiss with the “electronic” sound. I'm okay with some Hip Hop stuff, but that also has its shortcomings. I try to keep my music contemporary but traditional by maintaining the ‘organic' nature that I believe should not be corrupted by synthesis. I hope that outlook is shared with others so there will always be a place for this music's character in our diverse entertainment universe.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I would say not letting the demands of laboriously performing to strictly meet contract or financial obligations -- where performing and recording music becomes a depressive chore instead of a special experience. Sharing my gift and the reward that comes with that is what I strive for. “You got to love it! Right?"

"Because of my passion for Jazz and Blues, when I write these types of tunes or compositions, the feel and creativity can be sparked from a simple lyrical hook, or a beat, that stimulates my muse. I can only describe it as a gift beyond my control." (Photo: Kirk Nelson belts out tunes with dynamic energy along with his keyboard execution — reminiscent of great performers like Dr. John, Mose Allison and Gregg Allman. He is supported by Jambalaya West - a band of top notch musicians that make this show an experience to remember)

Why is it important to preserve and spread the American Roots music? What is the role of music in today’s society?

I believe preservation of all American Roots Music is imperative and needs to be ingrained with current and future generations. Just playing recordings of music from the past is not enough. When the youth of today witnesses a performance, it has more of a cultural impact which subsequently breathes new life into the genre. 

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

During my early days of fatherhood, not wanting to be away from my family on the road, I had to supplement my musical income with odd construction jobs and eventually I became a structural builder. I have applied these organizational skills to leading a band and producing recordings.

Do you think there is an audience for NOLA/Blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Absolutely! Especially now with the appreciation that is shown in other countries and continents! The fact we now have global exposure of the music these days, along with the domestic admiration for it (which seems to be growing) is helping to keep NOLA/blues alive and well!

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(Photo: Kirk Nelson & Jambalaya West)