Feature Friday with Josh Nelson

Feature Friday with Josh Nelson

I don’t know about you, but this week seems to have gone by very slowly. The constant weather changes can really put my body in a funk, but alas, it is finally Friday! We made it! It is finally the end of the week, and hopefully, the sun is shining, and the rain will go away. But even if dark clouds come your way, don’t worry, we have something that’ll brighten you weekend … a Feature Friday with pianist-composer-bandleader Josh Nelson!

But first, a little more about Josh. Born and raised in Southern California, he produced his first independent album at only age 19. And he didn’t stop there—he went on to produce seven more albums. One of his latest albums, The Sky Remains,blends narrative and music to tell a story about the city of LA. Nelson has also worked with many famous musicians, like legendary vocalist Natalie Cole, with whom he toured worldwide for six years.  

Now, time to learn some more about this talented and fascinating artist …

If you are not playing jazz, what is your favorite music to play?

I also enjoy playing R&B, classical, and Brazilian music.

If you were a song, which would you be and why?

Probably “The Age of Not Believing,” which is a Sherman Brothers song from the 1971 Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It’s a classic song to me—wonderful melody, lyric and harmony!

Do you have a favorite place to vacation?

Palm Springs, California!

Who is your dream collaboration (living or legend)?

With visionary Herbie Hancock; he inspires me so much. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

You can always make more money, but you can’t get the time back, so use that wisely! 

 

Interview with Alan Rhody

“The tunes for Night is Alive’s newest album “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be” were selected with the hope of bringing new meaning to a genre of music that is so near and dear to many. A mixture of classic favorites and modern hits, this album includes nine tracks of vibrant holiday music. Diving into the stories behind the songs, Night is Alive presents an exclusive interview with Alan Rhody, co-composer of the tune “Christmas to Christmas”.

Multi-award-winning songwriter and touring solo artist Alan Rhody has written countless songs and released multiple albums over his notable career. He has made dozens of network appearances in the US and Canada and written songs that have been career-changing hits for artists who are now household names.

“Christmas to Christmas” was penned in 1985 by Rhody and hit songwriter, Ron Hellard. The duo has written about a dozen songs together and remain very good friends, still co-writing occasionally. American country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood first recorded the tune and used it for the title of his Christmas album and television special.

“I was very excited and pleased when Night is Alive chose this song,” said Rhody. He has often wondered why the tune hasn’t been recorded by more artists in genres other than country, since he doesn’t consider it a ‘typical’ country song and the intro is set for jazz.

Sony had the publishing rights at the outset, with Rhody reclaiming his half of the song in 2017 retaining SonyATV to administrate, which Rhody believes is a good partnership. 

“I’m hoping more artists will continue to record the song,” mused Rhody. In fact, Night is Alive is the fourth, with soulful vocalist Andromeda Turre. The other artists thus far include Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker and Toby Keith. 

As far as his writing process? Rhody said it was Ron Hellard who brought the title idea to their session that hot summer day they created “Christmas To Christmas” in Rhody’s kitchen. Once he and Hellard finished the chorus, they “knew they had a winner.” He also feels it is one of their very best collaborations.

“It’s very personal when I write songs of this nature. whether alone or with a co-writer.” He said his wife Kathy’s presence is always there inside, with those.

So what did Christmas look like for Alan Rhody this year? It was a small gathering, just their two daughters and two grandsons, who all live in Nashville. Their son and his family live in New York City. Rhody and his family have lived in Nashville since the fall of 1977. 

You can hear Night is Alive’s version of “Christmas to Christmas” on “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be”: www.nightisalive.com/christmas-aint-like-it-use-to-be

Interested in learning more? Sometime in early 2022, Alan Rhody will join the Daily Dose podcast, posted regularly 

on Night is Alive’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yE-rSEiOYWEnIC9F6VXIw