Richard Nelson If you turn on an Irish radio station and hear a pedal steel guitar, chances are that the man in the driving seat is Richard Nelson. The list of musicians he has performed with reads like a who’s who of top Irish musicians, from Van Morrison, Daniel O’Donnell, Mick Flavin, Mary Duff, Philomena Begley, Brendan Quinn and countless other. He has played on over 200 albums over the years. He is one of the most sought after session musicians on the island. ‘Song for my Father’ is Richard’s 2nd jazz album. In a personal homage to his late father Richard pays tribute to him by covering the Horace Silver classic. To most people the pedal steel guitar is a bizarre, bewildering instrument and the sheer technical prowess required puts most musicians off ever attempting to play it. But to play jazz on the instrument is a testament to the man himself. On 7 Brothers, Nelson deftly navigates complex lines which showcase his stunning virtuosity. Blue Moon reveals the instrument’s Hawaiian origins. His daughter Klara guests on ‘All of Me’, a version that Lady Day would be proud to call her own. There are many highlights on this exciting album, notably Miles Davis’ Nardis, Green Dolphin Street and the stunning cover of Nowhere Man by The Beatles.