- What are you listening to during the quarantine?
Lots of classic film scores, from composers like Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Max Steiner, and Franz Waxman. Also, I am really enjoying pianist Brand Mehldau’s latest album “Grabriel”, and also drummer Jason Harnell’s new one called “Total harnage”. I enjoy podcasts as well, including: Hidden History of Los Angeles, Your Much Remember This, and the Ron Burgundy Podcast.
- What hobbies do you have to help keep you from going crazy during lockdown?
I’ve been writing and practicing quite a bit, social distance-style jogging in my neighborhood, organizing my vinyl collection and watching old TV game shows and Bob Hope movies. Cooking and making cocktails is fun too. I’m also really enjoying hosting a Facebook Live “happy hour” stream a couple times a week, where I talk about my collections of nostalgic treasures like Viemaster reels, old comic books, and 8 millimeter films. That happens on my artist page: facebook.com/joshnelsonjazz
- What is your favorite recipe/go-to meal that you could share?
I really like this easy veggie stir fry brown rice with tofu, mushrooms and red pepper. Make a sauce of 1/2 soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, minced ginger and garlic, and a little brown sugar and water. Simmer that for a while and then thicken it up with a small amount of cornstarch and water, mix into the rice and tofu, garnish last with green onions (so they don’t overcook)…and voila! Healthy and delicious.
- For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I feel grateful to have the means to house myself, eat, and have access to clean water and other resources. There are so many people all over the world that don’t have any of these, so I feel very lucky and do not take those resources for granted.
- Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you want as a dinner guest?
Probably the great Herbie Hancock. What a genius! Dinner with him would be a dream come true for me!
Josh Nelson’s amazing talent as a composer and pianist can be heard on the new album, Colors of Jazz, by the Lorca Hart Trio, available now!
