Dave Matthews once said, “Good music is good music and everything else can go to Hell.”

It seems like the perfect sentence when speaking of the Rock On Together December Featured Artist. You see, Chris Nathan sings and plays and performs really, really great music. Music that makes a whole lot of other people sound not so good by comparison. It is ear candy that should go nowhere other than to the hearts and souls of true music fanatics around the world.

It all happened a couple of years ago and I remember it well. A friend told me to get to a local bar and hear this massive musical talent. I did as I was told and walked in the door to be stopped in my tracks. It was truly unique, impressive and just, plain good. My jaw hit the floor, I was quickly dancing to the music and my eyes were locked on the stage for the entire show. Let’s put it this way…I eventually proposed marriage in a music review (which is strictly against professional rules!). In all seriousness, I was truly moved by the music and the artistic way Chris delivered it that night. He is original and that is hard to find.

Many times an artist is discovered for their potential. A music industry exec sees what “could be” in the individual and signs them in an effort to bring out those possibilities. However, this isn’t the case with Chris Nathan. The potential need not be found. He is already there…potential reached…talent massive…product ready to deliver for general public consumption.

The 6’6 Buffalo, New York native grew up traveling around the country in a very musical family. His mother is a talented singer, father is an amazing harmonica player, stepfather can work wonders on the bass and his 12-year-old stepbrother can play impressive percussion. Chris’s musical background is evident in his stage show. There is no fear once the lights are on and the crowd is watching. Chris has a reckless abandon on stage fueled by a complete passion for the music he plays and loves. His embrace of each song’s feeling allows the audience to let go and enjoy every second of the live show.

Songs like “Happy” take people to that painful place where we are each trying to achieve that elusive emotion. Tunes like “Bonnie and Clyde” bring out the bad boy and girl in each of us and Chris makes everyone want to join such an interesting band of outlaws…purely for the joy and sass the song exudes. “Always” gives listeners hope in love and that the person you love will be there for you come rain or shine. Better yet, it gives people Faith in themselves and their dreams.

Chris Nathan music makes you move. At a live show, NO ONE (including the non-dancers) is holding still. Every song promotes movement…no matter what the pace. It is MOVE music and most people love to move to it. Chris is the first one to do so (usually barefoot and dancing with his guitar). There is an immense sense of wrong to be at a Chris Nathan show standing motionless.

Influence of The Black Crowes, Dave Matthews and Otis Redding is heard in his music, but it is influence alone. Chris Nathan has a way of creating music that is original, yet catchy. It’s Pop, yet R&B. It’s Hip Hop, but soul music. I can listen to the songs over and over with no problem. They are that much fun. These are timeless tunes that people can latch onto and enjoy for years to come.

Chris’s deep, layered, raspy at times (but always on the mark) and 100% soulful voice comes out to get you and immediately grabs the ear. The voice is unique and fun to listen to on any given song. He interprets the music with his voice as an instrument, Chris does not just sing. He uses the voice the ways it’s meant to be used…to tell the story.

The laid back persona Chris projects is deceptive. There is more to the artist that reveals a deeper side to his personality. Questions are analyzed to find the right answer. Emotions are explored to write the perfect song. Time and experience serve as educational tools for the man who continually teaches others what it’s like to really feel music.

You don’t want to miss a show or a song from this talented singer/songwriter. Chris Nathan music can be found on iTunes and his MySpace page shows upcoming tour dates. There is no other way for me to convince you. I would feel really bad for anyone who didn’t take the opportunity to hear Chris Nathan. He is one of the worthy singer/songwriters in town and it’s only a matter of time before the entire country gets to hear him.

When asked which song would describe his life, Chris favored a Rush song called “Spirit of Radio.” There was one particular set of lyrics in the song that struck me as very “Chris Nathan-like.” The lyrics went something like this: “Making modern music can still be open-hearted, not so coldly charted. It’s really just a question of your honesty.” There is no question. Don’t miss a chance to listen to hear Chris Nathan music. It’s good for the soul and healthy for the spirit.

Chris Says Quiz

1. iPod or Cell Phone:
CELL…SINCE IT’S AN iPHONE (HE SAID WITH A GRIN).

2. “American Idol” or “Dancing With The Stars”:
“DANCING WITH THE STARS.” THE CHICKS ARE HOT.

3. Vinyl or Digital:
VINYL…YOU GET THE BEST SOUND.

4. Writing or performing:
PERFORMING…I HATE WRITING. YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH HELL TO WRITE SOMETIMES. YOU HAVE TO FEEL THINGS YOU NEVER WANTED TO FEEL AGAIN.

5. Cats or Dogs:
DOGS…PIT BULLS.

6. “G.I. Joe” or “Transformers”:
“TRANSFORMERS,” BECAUSE MEGAN FOX IS HOT.

7. Beach or Mountains:
MOUNTAINS.

8. “The Smurfs” or “The Chipmunks”:
“THE SMURFS.”

9. Robert Palmer or Billy Idol:
ROBERT PALMER.

10. Reality TV or Disney Movies:
DISNEY MOVIES, BECAUSE OF ALL THE SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES.

11. NFL or NBA:
NFL.

If you were invited to join one current musical group, which group would you want to be a member of and what would you play?
COLDPLAY, BECAUSE I CAN’T STAND THE SINGER. I WOULD TAKE OVER AND BE THE LEAD SINGER. I THINK THE SOUNDS ARE COOL, BUT I HATE HIS VOICE.

If you could arrange a jam session with any three musicians in history, who would you choose?
RICHIE HAVEN, CARTER BEAUFORD (OF THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND) AND VICTOR WOOTEN.

If you were to choose a musical instrument that best describes your character, what would it be?
A FLOOR TOM. by Wilco

If you could have a song written about you, what musician would you want to compose it, who would perform it and what would it be called?
I WOULD WANT MEAT LOAF TO WRITE IT, SEVENDUST TO PERFORM IT AND IT WOULD BE CALLED “BLOOD F$@KERS.”

If one song were to describe your life, what would it be?
“SPIRIT OF RADIO” BY RUSH.

If you could be invisible for one day, what would you do and why?
I WOULD SNEAK INTO THE FREEZERS OF EVERY ICE CREAM SHOP AND EAT ALL THE ICE CREAM AVAILABLE.

If you could have any one specific power over other people, what would it be?
THE ABILITY TO MAKE EVERY, SINGLE PERSON BUY MY CD.

If you could change one thing to make life easier for your own gender, what would it be?
READING WOMEN’S MINDS.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, which song would you choose?
“NUMBER 41” BY THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND. THAT SONG WAS A HUGE INSPIRATION ON MY LIFE. I COULD STILL LISTEN TO IT TODAY 100 TIMES.

If you could play one venue for the rest of your career, which venue would you choose?
“THE GORGE” IN WASHINGTON STATE.

If you had to choose one of your songs that represents you best, which one would it be?
I HAVEN’T WRITTEN IT YET.

If you had to choose one color that best describes you, what color would that be?
GREEN.

If you could pick one movie soundtrack to be on, which movie would it be?
“ALMOST FAMOUS.” I LOVE THAT SOUNDTRACK AND I LOVE THAT MOVIE.

If you had to compete in one reality show competition, which show would it be?
THE BACHELOR…JUST TO MESS WITH ALL OF THOSE GIRLS’ HEADS. IN THE END, I WOULD DUMP THEM ALL.