THE JOHN L. NELSON PROJECT

Don’t Play With Love Maken It Music/Ropeadope

Unless you’re a dedicated Prince fan, John L. Nelson’s name may not ring a bell, but there’s a good chance you’ve heard some of his tunes. A jazz pianist who named his son after his stage name (Prince Rogers), Nelson died in 2001. His daughter rediscovered some sheet music with her father’s handwritten charts. A belated tribute to his 100th birthday, Don’t Play With Love is a clear, straightforward and worthy jazz collection that stands on its own merits.

The album’s family ties go even deeper, as the elder Nelson’s nephew, famed drummer Louis Hayes anchors the band, which interprets the seven compositions with verve and style.

Album opener Lucky Am I has a spacious, cinematic quality. Don’t Play With Love is a lush ballad with a dizzying closing sax solo.

Despite the Prince connection — the album needs no nepotistic boost. It just swings, baby!