Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is "an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil." The Times of London notes "his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments and his undoubted virtuosity," adding that Nelson is "one of fusion's most accomplished exponents." Saxophone Journal writes "He commands the alto saxophone with such authority there can be no denying that Rangell is a true artist," and Flute Talk Magazine states "Nelson Rangell creates the impression that anything is possible when he improvises." Such praise is a confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the Denver based saxophonist emerged in the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.

Rangell first played flute at the age of 15. Within six months he was studying both classical and jazz music at The Interlochen Arts Academy, a national camp for gifted music students. He went on to attend The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. As a student he twice won Down Beat Magazine's prestigious National Student Recording Awards competition both as best jazz and best pop/rock instrumental soloist. After college he headed to New York in 1984 to pursue his career.

The next four years were spent "paying dues", sitting in, playing alongside, and gigging with some of the world's greatest contemporary jazz musicians. Rangell's 1987 debut album was released on Gaia/Gramavision Records, but soon thereafter he was signed by Larry Rosen and Dave Grusin at GRP Records.

A succession of albums followed at GRP where he recorded eight CDs, beginning in 1989. He has recorded with The Rippingtons, Chuck Loeb, Patti Austin, Tom Browne, and The GRP All Star Big Band to name a few. Though Rangell has recorded mostly in the contemporary/pop and smooth jazz formats garnering top radio play and a large audience, The Times of London notes "heard live a much more robust and idiosyncratic player emerges." Nelson has now released 15 CDs nationally and internationally.

Joining Rangell for this performance is some of Colorado’s finest jazz musicians and educators.

Wayne Wilkinson is a guitarist originally from San Antonio, Texas and now lives in the Colorado Springs area. He teaches guitar at Colorado Springs Conservatory and Colorado State University at Pueblo. He is a former member of the premier Air Force jazz ensemble “The Airmen of Note” based in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining "The Airmen of Note" in 1991 he played in The Air Force Academy Band’s "Falconaires" jazz ensemble from 1983 to 1991. In 1989, he was a semifinalist in the national Cognac Hennessy Jazz Search competition.

Venues he has performed at while in the “The Airmen of Note” & "The Falconaires" are Carnegie Hall, The White House and The Detroit Jazz Festival. Also, while in the band, He played with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, Ernie Watts, James Moody, Henry Mancini and Stanley Turrentine. Other people he’s played with in his career are Jack Jones, Dianne Shure, Bob Hope, Roger Williams, Louis Bellson and The Four Freshman.

 Dave Hanson (piano) is on the faculty of Lamont School of Music, University of Denver. A graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University (B.A. in Saxophone Performance, 1976) and Arizona State University (M.M. in Composition, 1980), David Hanson was co-winner of the Duke Ellington Scholarship award from the Eastman School of Music Arrangers' Labs in 1983.

Recently he has been active in creating orchestral arrangements for Paul Winter, Nelson Rangell, Dotsero, Wind Machine, Riders in the Sky, Flash Cadillac, Tish Hinojosa and many other nationally recognized artists. These arrangements have been performed by the Boston Pops, National Repertory Orchestra, Pittsburg, St. Louis, Houston, New Jersey, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Utah, Colorado, Atlanta, Minnesota, Ukrainian State Symphony and Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestras.

Mike Marlier is in his 16th year as the Director of Drum Set Studies at Lamont School of Music, University of Denver.

Mr Marlier has performed and recorded with countless professional artists, including Dave Grusin, Benny Golson, Nelson Rangell, Dotsero, Rob Mullins, the Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, and is the staff drummer for the Conference on World Affairs, which is held annually at CU.

Bassist Kirwan Brown has been a regular session bassist for studios like Colorado Sound, Avalanche, and Kerr/Macy. His 1994 debut CD, "Cool Grooves," was listed on that year's Grammy voter ballot in three categories, including Album of the Year.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this outstanding group of musicians to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center for a Valentine’s concert” explains Amy Whitesell of A Music Company Inc., promoter of the concert. “Musicians from the Colorado Springs Conservatory will entertain in thee Deco Lounge of the Fine Arts Center from 6:30 to 7:15 and cocktails will be available. This will prove to be an extraordinary evening and will make for a spectacular Valentine’s night event”. “

Tickets for this event may be purchased in person at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale Street, or by calling the venue at (719) 634-5583 and through the internet. www.csfineartscenter.org

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of show. www.csfineartscenter.org

This concert is being sponsored by Heuberger Motors, Easy Street Designs, Peak Radar and the Colorado Springs Independent.

For more information contact A Music Company Inc. at (719) 576-5945, or the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at (719) 634-5583.