Upon first listen to Nils new albumUp Close & Personalit is apparent that this already chart topping artist is deserving of the many accolades he has received includingSong of the Yearfrom 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 onWe're Having a Party. 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 albumsPacific Coast Highway&Ready to Playgarnered numerous chart topping hits.  National concert tour planned for Spring/Summer 2009.