Upon first listen to Nils new album UP CLOSE & PERSONAL it is apparent that this already chart topping artist is deserving of the many accolades he has received including Song of the Year from Radio & Records magazine. Nils' live appearances have been wowing audiences from Coast to Coast and feature a top lineup of musicians including Clydene Jackson, Oliver Brown, Ricky Lawson, Reggie McBride and Alex Al. All of these players are featured on the new CD in addition to Shilts who plays sax on "Jazz Cruise". Nils says that "this album is about the hottest players, recorded live not using any loops or synthesized sounds in the recording". His two previous albums "Pacific Coast Highway" & "Ready to Play" garnered numerous chart topping hits.