The
David Nelson Band has been recording and performing around the country since l 994. Their broad
musical palette spans the Almost Acoustic style that Nelson played with Jerry Garcia, through roots rock
n’ roll, and psychedelic country-rock. The DNB perform David’s compositions (many co-written with
Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter), select covers, and several Grateful Dead classics upon which
Nelson appeared on the original album releases. These stylistic elements, combined with plenty of spontaneous
free form improvisation, create a sound that is uniquely David Nelson Band. Though the original
songs are mostly written by Nelson, the development of all the material is a fully collaborative effort.
These days the DNB only tour select areas a few times a year, as the individual band members are in high
demand with other successful touring acts. Their loyal and enthusiastic fans relish these special times to
reunite at Nelson family gatherings. DNB shows are a joyous reunion for all – a communal gathering
where regulars and newcomers all feel part of an extended family. Each show, being unique and exploratory
in nature, is a magical adventure for band and audience alike.
David Nelson – guitar/ vocals – is a founding member of the New Riders of the Purple Sage and long
time musical partner of Jerry Garcia’s dating back to 1962 in the pre-Grateful Dead bluegrass band,
The Wildwood Boys. Nelson was also a member of the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band (and appears on their
1988 album release “Almost Acoustic” and 201 O’s “Ragged But Right”) and performed on three Grateful
Dead albums – “Aoxomoxoa”, “Workingman’s Dead” & “American Beauty” – playing the iconic electric
guitar solo on Box of Rain. Nelson has also peformed as a member of Phil Lesh and Friends.
Barry Sless – lead guitar/ pedal steel – currently tours with Bobby Weir and The Wolf Brothers and
Moonalice. He has been a frequent member of Phil Lesh and Friends touring and local lineups since 2004.
He’s toured with Chris Robinson’s Green Leaf Rustlers (and appears on their 2020 album release, From
Within Marin), Kingfish, Cowboy Jazz, the Rowan Brothers, and Great American Taxi. Barry’s pedal steel
can be heard on selected tracks from Chris Robinson Brotherhood albums “Any Way You Love, We Know
How You Feel”, “If You Lived Here, You Would Be Home By Now”, and “Barefoot In The Head”. Barry is
a founding member of DNB.
Mookie Siegel – keyboards/ accordion/ vocals – has toured with Bob Weir’s Ratdog, Phil Lesh and
Friends, Kingfish, Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons and Donna Jean and the Tricksters. Mookie is an
original member of DNB.
Pete Sears – bass/ vocals – was the bassist and keyboard player for the original Jefferson Starship from
1974-1987, keyboardist for Hot Tuna froml 992 to 2001 and currently performs with Moonalice and
Zero. He’s a member of Chris Robinson’s Green Leaf Rustlers, has played with Phil Lesh and Friends and
appears on their l 999 release, Love Will See You Thru. Pete began his career in England in l 964 and
has performed with many artists including Jerry Garcia, JohnCipollina and appears on Rod Stewart’s
classic early British albums. Pete joined DNB in 2005.
Wally Ingram – drums and percussion – has recorded, toured and played with countless acts including
Bob Weir & Phil Lesh, Anders Osborne, Leftover Salmon, Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, Eric Burdon and
The Animals,, Timbuk3, and multi- instrumentalist string wizard David Lindley to name but a few.
