Steve Nelson developed in the 1990s into one of the most promising of the vibraphonists around, influenced by Milt Jackson but gradually developing his own sound. After gigging with Grant Green in the early '70s, Nelson picked up important experience playing with Kenny Barron, James Spaulding, Bobby Watson, and David "Fathead" Newman, and has played in a countless number of settings beginning in the '90s. Nelson has recorded as a leader for Criss Cross, Red, Sunnyside, and TCB. Since the '90s, he continued to record, releasing New Beginnings in 1999, Fuller Nelson in 2004 and Sound-Effect in 2007.