Biography ::  Jack Neilson - 1956 - 2006

 A warm and captivating performer, Jack Neilson was born and raised in New Orleans, via many other parts of the country that have played a role in his fanciful musical journey. He attributes his influences to Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, John Sebastian, and Randy Newman, as well as his friendships in his youth with fellow "Big Easy" musicians David Torkanowsky and Michael Paz. He started writing songs in high school and playing around town with fellow musician John Parker, and eventually attended Berklee College of Music in the early seventies. The Boston folk scene impacted him greatly, and he began to play various venues around town. This inspired him to open his own coffee house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he continued to write and perform his own songs. By 1985, Neilson’s coffee house, EJ’s Coffee and Tea Company, was the premier acoustic venue in the Albuquerque area. It was there that he hosted many songwriter nights regularly and acquainted himself with many talented performers who inspired him to take his music to a higher level. A subsequent brief stint living in Chicago furthered this motivation, as he continued to perform at songwriter nights and build friendships with fellow aspiring musicians.

  When Neilson returned to New Orleans, he was reunited with old friend and music producer Michael Paz, a strong believer in Jack’s music who became a driving force for helping Neilson to produce a CD. For over a year they laid down tracks and polished songs, determined to create a debut release worthy of Neilson’s name and talent. The result: Here I Go Again, a multifaceted gem lovingly furbished by the hands of the many talented musicians who played on this album, including David Torkanowsky, Johnny Vidacovich, Dave Easley, Beth Patterson, Leslie Smith, Jay Dronge, Denmark's Christina Friis-Neilsen, and Kevin Aucoin. Jack's friendly nature and his dedication to musical camaraderie also become evident in his musical and lyrical themes. From his role as a casual observer of human nature to the plethora of friends and characters he has encountered along the way; artists, writers, actors, fellow musicians, and buffoons, he is deeply inspired by the words and antics of everyone he crosses paths with.

  Jack plays numerous gigs around the New Orleans area, from coffee shops and pubs, to the more distinctive venues including the House of Blues, Tipitina's, and the Hard Rock Cafe, adding to his rising recognition as a staple part of the music scene. His music has taken him to the radio and TV airwaves, including a prestigious appearance on Louisiana Jukebox. Neilson also recently placed as a winner of the Frank Brown International Songwriting Contest, and was chosen among a select few to perform for its corresponding festival in Florabama. Now, prepared for more widespread touring, Jack is ready expand his collection of stories, and if we're lucky, he'll share them with the class.

Recently,Jack opened for all the shows of a Katrina fundraising tour led by Arlo Guthrie. The Guthrie Foundation raised money for Katrina victims with shows starting in Chicago and riding the "City of New Orleans" train to venues down to New Orleans ending up with sold out shows at Tipitina's with Willie Nelson joining the finale. At this year's Folk Alliance in Austin, he was re-united with most of the original players from the Arlo tour and played one of the final evening shows.

Jack felt very lucky to be a part of such an incredible journey and experience. He opened the shows for and shared the stage with Arlo Guthrie, Gordon Titcomb,Ramblin Jack Elliot,Abe Guthrie,John Flynn,Xavier,The Burns Sisters, the Folk Ukes and others. So far,getting to be a part of this effort was a highlight of his musical career.

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