Nelo

 

At a moment when countless young bands are trying to out-emo, out-retro, or out-"Idol" each other, the idea of creating laid-back pop music — both sunny and smart — seems terribly out of step with the times. The members of Austin-based sextet Nelo (rhymes with “hello”) seem quite happy to walk their own path at their own pace, however. Songwriter/acoustic guitarist Matt Ragland has cited Dave Matthews and Stevie Wonder as influences, and the group’s canny use of horns and woodwinds can also recall the mix of folk, rock and jazz approaches in Steve Winwood’s Traffic. But Nelo’s blend of easy grooves, expert musicianship and inviting popcraft is its own — a sound that was developed and nurtured the old-fashioned way by winning over fan after fan at gig after gig on both the Austin and Athens club scenes.

 

Ragland established the roots of Nelo a decade ago when he began jamming with some Dallas schoolmates: guitarist Stephen Goodson, drummer Chris Hill and saxophonist David Long. When those three headed to the University of North Texas to pursue music studies, Ragland began playing with a longtime summer camp buddy, vocalist Reid Umstattd. By 2005, the full group was back together, augmented by multi-instrumentalist Mike St. Clair. Taking the serious step of an all-band move to Athens, Georgia, the group was quickly on its way to becoming a transplanted local sensation with a powerful grassroots following.

 

At the urging of producer Freddy Fletcher (Willie Nelson's nephew), the band returned to Austin at the beginning of 2008 to record its self-titled debut album at Pedernales studio.

 

Provenance: Austin, Texas

 

Latest Release: Nelo (2008)

 

© 2008 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.