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fair play
interview with local rocker Nathan Holley
by rick grant
rickgrant01@comcast.net

What:
Nathan Holley

Where:
Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

When:
Saturday, November 10th at 8 pm


      A year ago I crossed paths with Nathan Holley at a solo gig inside Sneakers at the Beach. Indeed, I was impressed with his original songs and technical ability to loop the rhythms he plays against, greatly expanding his sound. There is no prerecorded music and his rhythm loops are set up live. Since Nathan moved to Jax from Chicago, Illinois two years ago, he has been steadily gigging five to six nights a week as his sole source of income.
      Clearly, since Nathan set up shop in Jax, he has built up a loyal fan base. He’s recorded four CDs produced by his friend in Chicago, producer/engineer Eric Gross. His latest CD, soon to be released, is titled Illiorida (Illinois + Florida).
      At 10-years old Nathan took up the drums, but he soon realized that he wanted to be out front. Some years later he learned to play the guitar and sing lead. After playing gigs in Chicago and then Jacksonville, Nathan has proven he can write catchy, original music that he can present in commercial settings, winning over his audiences. Recently, Nathan formed a band with Willi Neal on drums and Justin Mandel on bass.
      In my review of Nathan’s show last year I said, “Really talented songwriters are rare in a business overcrowded with wannabes. But Nathan is the real deal. He writes songs with hit potential and performs them with charismatic verve.”
      When I learned that Nathan had been booked for a Fair gig Saturday, Nov.10th, I called him to chat about this remarkable coup.
      “Yes, I was thrilled to be booked for the Fair. It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my material in front of a large audience of many different types of people. And, I’m going out as a solo act. I have been rehearsing with two other musicians, which will become my new band, but we’re not ready yet to play such a prestigious gig. So I’ll do what I do best for now, playing with augmentation to achieve a fuller sound.
      “In the past, I’ve shared the stage with Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Ja Rule, Ciara, Better than Ezra, Seven Mary Three, and many other acts. I’ve played Orlando’s House of Blues, Tweeter Center, Mississippi Nights, Freebird Live, Jack Rabbits, and many other showcase clubs. Before and after my gig at the Fair, I will meet and greet people with the WAPE’s on-air personalities at their booth. This is a big deal for me,” Nathan said.
      To refresh my memory, before writing this piece, I listened to Nathan’s music on his MySpace website. I was struck by how well he has assimilated his influences into an original sound that has elements of modern rock with contemporary folk woven into the fabric of his orchestration. His rhythms cover the spectrum of modern rock, including reggae and funkadelic. In other words, Nathan’s music is fiercely original yet it begs for second and third replays. I’m sure Nathan will be a big hit at the Fair. Whatever happens, his Fair gig will be a great reference for his resume.

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