Bob Neloms, Alive and Well

[AllenLowe]

probably my closest musician friend back in the 1980s and 1990s was the pianist Bob Neloms, a genius player who worked with everyone from Gene Ammons to Sonny Stitt to Beaver Harris, and who was in Mingus's last band. Bob was one of those players who had to be heard on his own gigs to be appreciated, a master of harmony, full of humor and fascinating musical references (he was also one the first pianists, if not the first, to work for Motown - also of interest to organ fans is that two separate people, without knowledge of each other, have both described Bob to me as "the greatest jazz organist" they ever saw, from his Boston days). Bob and I lost touch about 7 or 8 years ago when I moved to Maine; I started trying to find him again a few months ago, and just got a call back from Detroit, where he was born and raised, and where he has now moved with his wife. Bob is 64 now, has lost hearing in one ear and has some other health problems, but he sounds happy and optimistic; though he hasn't played out in some time I'm going to try to get him to come East to record with me sometime in the next few months. He also wants me to work with him on his autobiography. I just wanted to mention Bob here because I'm sure he would feel good to know that he is still remembered for his great contributions to the music -

Edited February 22, 2006 by AllenLowe

[jlhoots]

I remember his playing very well.

Would be great to hear him again.

[Chalupa]

Allen - update?

[Guest Bill Barton]

I'd be interested in an update too. That India Navigation album Pretty Music is very fine; I certainly wish that I still had a copy.

[AllenLowe]

sorry so slow - Bob, as I mentioned, has dealt with some serious health problems - I tried to get him on my CD, but we couldn't work out the logistics - HOWEVER -- this is a good reminder that I should give him a call - will phone this week and report back; unfortunately I did get a sense that it's unlikely Bob will return to public performance -

Edited March 17, 2008 by AllenLowe

[flat5]

Did Bob's father live in Eureka, California?

I think I met both in the 1970s there, and played with Bob one afternoon at College of the Redwoods.

[Tom Storer]

I remember him from his time with Mingus--beautiful player! Whether or not his performing career is over, he made an impression.

[AllenLowe]

Bob was from California, but I can't recall if it was Eureka - will ask him -

yes, Bob was an amazing pianist, though one had to see him outside of Mingus to get the full range - an absolute harmonic genius with an encyclopedic knowledge of tunes, a great sense of humor, terrific left hand - I miss hearing him play solo, especially -