When the question gets asked, “Who is sitting in on the drums tonight?”  There is a common sigh of relief when the answer is Daniel Nelson.  That’s because those who have played with him know that the foundation he provides will make for a worry free gig.  Those who have not played with him have probably heard. 

Power, finesse, perfect time, tastefulness….  These are words other musicians use to describe Daniel’s playing… including the rest of us drummers.  If you get to know Daniel, one thing becomes apparent right away.  His mind is always on the music and the band as a unit and never on just himself. 

I consider it a privilege to go way back to the beginning with Daniel.  I remember the first time I really took notice to his playing.  He was in high school and I was playing a gig at Byrd High School with the band Open Eyes.  He asked if he could play my TAMA kit to see how they feel and I said sure.  He commenced to throwing down a really cool funky groove and I thought to myself, “I gotta get this kid off my drums.”  I knew he was going to be a really great drummer.