Profile

Neilsen began playing the trumpet at the age of 8 and a few years later at 13 developed his singing voice. At 14 Neilsen was invited to perform as a solo artist in front of big bands and orchestras touring the Sydney club and jazz scene playing and singing with James Morrison, Tommy Tycho, Ricky May and many others. In 1989 Neilsen completed his diploma in Jazz Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and went on to form his own jazz quartet.

 Playing in jazz venues and hotels across Sydney, Neilsen attracted the attention of Diana Ross’s promoter and was asked to open a hip new jazz club in Hong Kong where he performed for 3 months. On returning to Sydney Neilsen became a regular guest artist on several TV shows and was also in demand as a voice for commercials.

In 1995 Neilsen released his first album ‘Cool Jazz’ to critical acclaim and continued touring and performing across Australia and Asia at festivals, jazz clubs and TV and radio spots. Neilsen has since released 3 more albums: ‘The Good Life’, ‘A Beautiful Dream’ and his latest ‘Surrender’.

Through these years Neilsen has completed several successful Australian tours with his band to sell out crowds and critical acclaim. Also Neilsen began performing with legendary jazz figure and member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers band – Dale Barlow. Neilsen plans now to further his success throughout the burgeoning market of China and Japan and the festival scene in Europe where he has had several invitations to perform.

Neilsen is one of Australia’s most celebrated and accomplished vocalist/trumpet players and has been performing nationally and internationally  for 30 years. He has released 3 albums to critical acclaim and now is set to release album No 4 – ‘Surrender’ in October 2013. This new album is a departure stylistically from previous albums of jazz standards and originals. It is a culmination of all Neilsen’s influences combined to create a fresh and unique sound. Funky soul based grooves, contemporary string quartet arrangements woven throughout, close harmony vocals and horn lines. Sophisticated adult contemporary soul/jazz.