Alan Nelson, drums Alan Nelson, drummer, born in Camden, New Jersey, has performed in hundreds of club dates and concerts in New York City with artists like James Moody, Shirley Scott, Sonny Stitt, among others. He has been greatly influenced by jazz drummers like Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones, and most of all, Max Roach. A twelve year association with trumpeter Hannibal Marvin Peterson and the Peterson band took Mr. Nelson to all points on the globe and added a seasoning and a sensitivity to his playing that has kept his services in demand for the better part of two decades. Saxophonists, pianists, and bass players seek out Mr. Nelson for his intense energy and hyper-sensitivity.