Big Advice was a funk and soul collaborative project anchored by the immense talents of bassist Juan Nelson and drummer/vocalist Ahaguna G. Sun (best known for his work in the 1970s R&B duo Sunbear). Formed as a passion project while Nelson was concurrently touring and recording with Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, the core trio was rounded out by guitarist Werner Schuchner. The band also frequently pulled in heavy-hitting studio musicians to flesh out their sound, including legendary percussionist Lenny Castro. Musically, Big Advice was a heartfelt tribute to classic R&B and house-party grooves, blending old-school funk rhythms with a smooth, modern-soul sensibility.
The group's defining milestone came in 2004 with the release of their full-length album, Love Shines, put out via Electric Monkey Records. The record showcased Nelson doing what he did best—holding down an impossibly deep, driving pocket—while also giving him the space to contribute vocals and step into a looser, groove-centric spotlight. While Big Advice served primarily as a secondary creative outlet rather than a full-time touring act, the project remains a hidden gem for fans of authentic, unapologetic funk and a brilliant showcase of Nelson's stylistic versatility outside of his main rock and folk-leaning gig.
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