By Richard Noel

Notes On Air is a monthly music column highlighting local artists,
events, and other music-related news. 

In this month’s column, we talk with Tracy Lee Nelson, accomplished
blues musician who is also tribal chairman of the La Jolla Indian Reservation
in Pauma Valley.  Nelson’s music places an emphasis on his heritage,
bringing a Native American perspective to the blues.  His most recent
CD, Indian Reservation, was released in November of 2007

Thank you for taking the time to talk to East County Magazine.

Thank
you.

You’ve been playing since you were fairly young.  What
were your earliest musical influences?

I’d have to say my earliest
musical influence was the Beatles.  I
remember when I was young my brother would play their records.  He would
say to me, “You’ve got to listen to this band; you’ve got
to know their names!”  Even more so now; after I understand music
and structure and guitar-playing, I am in awe of some of their formulas and
structure.