Country

13 MP3 Songs
COUNTRY: Modern Country, ROCK: Americana



Details:
Nathan Thompsonâs debut solo recording, Solid Ground, is a beautiful, accomplished, poignant, and fun collection of works by one of songwritingâs most creative artists. This wonderfully produced album is a reflection of Nathanâs vast influences, from Johnny Cash to Miles Davis, Emmylou Harris to the Modern Jazz Quartet. One of the yearâs most exciting discoveries, Solid Ground has an unusual sound and emotional character that defies the usual categorizations.

Solid Ground is the result of more than thirteen years of musical exploration and songwriting, and embodies Nathanâs view of life through relationshipsâromantic, family, friends, and others. With his thoughtfulness and keen sense of humor, Nathan writes expressive songs that examine common human experiences that speak to everyoneâwhat itâs like to lose someone, miss someone, learn something new, and to grow through emotional healing.

Recorded in Nashville at The Playground
Produced by Matt McClure
Assistant Engineer, Charlie Hubbs
All songs by Nathan Thomson
Nathan Thomson, vocals
Gary Smith, Piano
Jeff King, Electric Guitar
Kevin Grant, Bass
Pat McGrath, Acoustic
Tommy Harden, Drums
Glen Duncan, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo
Scott Sanders, Steel
Danny Myrick, Rodney Ingle, Chip Davis, Background Vocals

Nathan Thompson is a charismatic songwriter, singer, and guitarist whose refreshing blend of country, blues, rock, pop, and soul creates music that is remarkably appealing and exceptionally striking. Infused with a passion, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor, Nathanâs songs are unforgettable.

Raised in a musical family in Madelia, Minnesota, a small farming town in the south central part of the state (as the sign says on the way in: Population 2,316), Nathan began to study the piano in the second grade (with his music-teacher mother), and picked up the clarinet in the fifth grade. Soon after he discovered the guitar and fell in love with its sound, style, and versatility. He began to write his own music and lyricsâtaking those first steps down the life-long path of singer/songwriter.

He enrolled as an undergraduate at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where his songwriting began in earnest, when he wasnât studying English literature and running track and cross-country (his team ran Minnesota style: racing through the woods, dodging trees, and having leaf catching contests). After graduation Nathan became a district executive for the Boy Scouts of America, but he continued to grow musically through songwriting and the exploration of jazz guitar. A friend suggested he check out Berklee College of Music, so he applied, was accepted, and journeyed east to Boston. Nathan received a Berklee Diploma in Guitar Performance and graduated with honors.

Nathan took off on the jazz track, but soon realized that he needed to return to his first love: being a singer/songwriter. Blending his various influencesâincluding Willie Nelson, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Ray Charles, Chris Smither, and Johnny CashâNathan created songs with a sound all his own.

He founded The Nathan Thompson Band with guitarist and banjo player Jim Bouchard, bass guitarist John Rapoza, and drummer Rick Pierik. The group played throughout Boston for two years, making appearances at T.T. The Bears, Club Passim, and The Best of Boston Singer/Songwriter Showcase. The music was rootsy, folky rock/pop, and bandâs performances often featured fuzzed out psychedelic banjo.

Nathan continues to perform regularly as a solo artist throughout Boston's (and beyond) acoustic music scene. He has been featured live on Emerson Radio's WERS-FM and has shared gigs with musicians like Marc Erelli, Kris Delmhorst, Mary Gauthier, and Dennis Brennan. He has co-written two songs with Colleen Sexton, "Got You On My Mind," & "This Whole World," both of which are included on her CD, Greatest Find.

With his debut album, Solid Ground, Nathan has established himself as an up and coming musician who deserves to be heard. Recorded in Nashville, along side of some of that cityâs most talented musicians, Solid Ground is a collection thirteen years in the making, and through it Nathan offers a glimpse into his soul through expert songwriting and brilliant performances.