Nelson Bragg

"Day Into Night" is a delightful album, with lots of excellent songs and nary a filler song. If this is Nelson's first album, it amply demonstrates his fine songwriting skills, sensitive vocals, and impressive arranging abilities. The CD has a well-attuned pop sensibility, with compelling melodies, catchy hooks and choruses, nice doubling and layering of lead vocals ala Brian, and excellent choices for instrumental arrangements.

Besides featuring songs written by Nelson (except for his excellent version of George Harrison's "Dark Sweet Lady"), Nelson handles the leads and much of the backing vocals, drums and percussion, some of the guitar work, and the instrumental arrangements. As another nice touch that establishes a deeper connection with Brian's band, Probyn Gregory and Nick Walusko make instrumental appearances on specific songs, and the strings on some of the songs are performed by members of the Stockholm Strings and Horns.

As I listen to the songs on the CD, in addition to Nelson's original sounds, I hear influences of groups like the Byrds, Beach Boys, Love, Beatles, Association, Turtles, and other 60s California pop and folk rock music, 60s East Coast pop groups like the Cyrkle and the Critters, or even some of the 70s acoustic harmony alternative rock groups like Gypsy or Mason Profitt.

Among my favorite songs on the "Day" half of Day Into Night are Forever Days (love that jangly Byrds-like lead guitar intro), Tell Me I'm Wrong (check out Nick Walusko's guitar work and a tad of a Wondermints feel to the song), and Return the Love You Take (tasty acoustic guitar accompaniment to Nelson's expanded variation on the Beatles lyrical message from "The End" on Abbey Road)- this also has the feel of a George Harrison song from his solo years. Speaking of Harrison, Nelson's interpretation of Dark Sweet Lady is spot-on, including vocals that are a dead ringer for George's, and even a ukulele accompaniment by Nelson -- quite a nice nod to George! The final song on this section of the album, Every Minute of the Day, is also quite nice and includes some nice trumpet accompaniment by Probyn Gregory and a tad of layered Beach Boys-like harmonies in places.

The "Night" side of the CD starts off with the gorgeous nod to Brian and Pet Sounds, the touching Death of Caroline. Likewise, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is a very nice ballad accompanied by acoustic guitar and strings. One of my personal favorites on the album is A Father's Foolish Wish -- the lyrics alone make the song a standout; they sound so personal and descriptive, they made me wonder whether they may include an autobiographical element from Nelson's life. The album ends on another strong note with Turn The Darkness into Gold, a touching introspective ballad. The harmonies on this final song immediately reminded me of some of the music by Gypsy and Mason Profitt, including some excellent harmonies.

There's not a weak song on this album, and most are quite stunning. It's no wonder that in places where this album has received airplay, it has received such a positive response.

Major kudos go out to Nelson for an exceptional debut solo album, and for his keen songwriting and overall musical sensibilities!