Full Nelson (2017) was premiered by Joseph Van Hassel in Fall 2018, a few weeks before Macbride’s untimely passing. This two-movement work for solo vibraphone was composed after Macbride attended a performance by his son Jimmy with vibraphonist Steve Nelson. Macbride asks the performer to use two mallets, as that is how Nelson performs. The title is a play on words, using Nelson’s name and the wrestling move. If the performer plays one movement, the piece should be called Half Nelson, and if both movements are performed, the piece is titled Full Nelson. Both movements of the work are quite episodic, with short musical gestures separated by fermati. There is a small amount of improvisation (appropriate for a work inspired by a jazz musician) and a multitude of tempo changes, sometimes in very quick succession. Full Nelson is recorded by Joseph Van Hassel on As Before: Solo Percussion Music of David Macbride; Joseph Van Hassel, Percussion (Chen Li Music 108).

Performed by Honoka Masuyama at her DMA percussion recital at The Hartt School, February 2025.