Anthony E. Nelson, Jr.

Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. is an accomplished woodwind specialist, arranger, composer, and educator whose career spans performance, recording, and arts education at the highest professional level. Known for his versatility on saxophones, flutes, and clarinets, Mr. Nelson has built a distinguished reputation as a musician who has contributed to a wide range of artistic projects across jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop and theater. Performing with numerous renowned ensembles, including the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Ray Charles Orchestra, Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Regina Carter, and the Sun Ra Arkest, serving as the baritone saxophonist and clarinetist on their Grammy nominated album, Lights on a Satellite, as well as several other bands and touring groups. In addition, Nelson has released five albums as a leader. 

Throughout his career, Mr. Nelson had contributed to television and film projects as both a performer and arranger. His credits include work on the film project “143” as a music arranger and appearances in television show A Crime to Remember: The Shot Doctor as jook joint sax player and composer. He has also been featured as a soloist with the David Berger Orchestra for the Mark Twain Awards: Honoring Carol Burnett, all highlighting his ability to excel in both performance and high profile production settings. 

In addition to his performance career, Mr. Nelson is a dedicated music educator with extensive experience teaching and mentoring students in both classrooms and residencies. Serving as a teaching artist and music teacher with organizations such as the Jazz Arts Project, the United Jazz Foundation, Jazz House Kids, Union County TEAMS Charter School and now serves as the K - 8 Music Teacher at John P. Holland Charter School. He is also the founder and artistic director of Arts/Jazz in the Sanctuary, an initiative established in 2010 that integrates music, spoken word, theater, and visual arts to inspire and uplift communities through the arts. 

Mr. Nelson holds a degree in Jazz Studies from William Paterson University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Worship Service with a concentration in Ethnomusicology at Cairn University. Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. continues to make a lasting impact as both a performer and educator.

Anthony E. Nelson, Jr is also a Yanagisawa saxophone artist.