In the same lineage as Richard Page & Steve George (PAGES, Mr. Mister), Jay Graydon & Tommy Funderburk (AIRPLAY), or Tom Kelly & Billy Steinberg (i‑TEN), the duo of Reed Nielsen and Mark Pearson — known simply as NIELSEN / PEARSON — delivered some of the smoothest early‑’80s Westcoast AOR ever recorded.
Their story began in 1978 with the release of The Nielsen Pearson Band, a debut rooted more in country‑rock than the polished Westcoast sound they would later embrace. Both musicians were active session players, and it was through their studio work that they discovered the rising wave of L.A.‑based smooth AOR and the elite session scene surrounding it.
By 1980, Nielsen and Pearson brought in a dream team of musicians and arrangers — Peter Wolf, David Foster, Vinnie Colaiuta and others — to craft their second album. Under the production of Richard Landis (Desmond Child & Rouge, Van Stephenson), the songs were written, arranged, and refined directly in the studio, resulting in a sophisticated, radio‑ready sound.
That same year, they released their self‑titled LP “NIELSEN / PEARSON”, which became their breakthrough. The album included the Top‑40 hit “If You Should Sail”, still a staple on FM soft‑rock stations today. But the record goes far beyond its hit single — tracks like “Annie” introduce a subtle progressive touch reminiscent of The Alan Parsons Project, showing the duo’s musical depth.
This edition — the Big Pink Records 24‑bit remastered reissue (using the same mastering as the Japanese Vivid Sound Corporation release) — sounds absolutely pristine. The clarity, warmth, and detail make it the definitive way to experience this elegant slice of early‑’80s Westcoast AOR.
Smooth, classy, and impeccably arranged, “NIELSEN / PEARSON” is a must‑have for fans of the golden era of L.A. session‑driven FM rock.
Highly recommended.