Nothin' All Day - Carrick House Concerts - Video by Bruce Powell
Pleasureville - Carrick House Concerts - Video by Bruce Powell
Help Me Be Good - Carrick House Concerts - Video by Bruce Powell
John Natiw - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin and Foot Stomps
And assorted other very cool folk when the opportunity presents...
Rochelle Clark - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
James Humpries - Harmonica and Cool
Dave Brandt - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Banjo, Mandolin, Lap Steel
Brian Keith Howard - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Making a list of influences (not neccesarily favorite bands) is hard...
Bob Dylan said in a recent interview that if you want to sound like him, don't listen to him. Rather, listen to who HE listened to growing up. People like Woody Guthrie, etc. I thought this was a great observation. So in a way, these acts have all had a fairly significant effect on who I am as a musician. It's not enough to say "I sound like them" or "I like their music."
One of the first memories I have of listening to music is listening to Burl Ives records on the weekends. His music and a set of headphones could keep me captivated for hours. Right around that same time I was introduced to the Irish Rovers. I'd sit and listen to songs like The Orange and the Green, The Biplane, Evermore, Whiskey on a Sunday, The Unicorn and (my personal favorite) Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor all day long! My dad would also wake the house up every Saturday morning with classical music. So a lot of classical music now reminds me of my childhood.
Since then, more "modern" artists have captured my attenion. Folks like Ben Harper, Bob Seger, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan and Over the Rhine have become a part of my musical journey. Not to mention local musicians like the Hummingbirds, Jill Jack, Billy Brandt and Drew Nelson.
In some organic way, like the way soil affects the grape, many different artists' music have become a part of mine.
Hi. I'm John. I'm the husband of a patient wife, father of four great girls, authority figure for two chocolate labs, Boomer & Murphy and, well, provider of cage for one hamster, Poe. I play some guitar and sing... probably more than I should.
John Natiw is a Michigan songwriter and performer working hard to influence his audiences in a thoughtful, positive and lasting manner. He performs regularly throughout the state at colleges, coffee and tea rooms as well as various folk stages.
Known for his poetic, yet gritty lyrics, percussive guitar style and easy stage presence, his songs confront a variety of topics ranging from fatherly wisdom to thinkin’ about Nothin’ All Day, the sensitive subject of teen “cutting” to reconciliation of estranged loved ones, world peace to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Audiences leave his shows entertained and uplifted, thoughtful and hopeful.
Playing as a solo artist, or with various accompanying musicians, John is poised to reach out with his musical influence beyond the Michigan area with the upcoming release of his first CD.
John is most at home while either writing original material or performing his unique brand of music for audiences small or large. “People that come to my shows are there for a reason”, John explains. “That reason is not me, but the music that somehow touches audience and performer alike and takes us, if only for a few hours, on a trip through the reality and fantasy of this life.”
So we’ll go… together
Through the deep valleys
Across walls of canyons
That stand in our way
Yes we’ll go… together
Looking for Eden
In spite of the demons
That lead us astray
~We’ll Go (Looking for Eden) – words and music by John Natiw
"In the strictest sense, it's music that is rarely written for profit. It's music that has endured and been passed down by oral tradition. [...] Also, what distinguishes folk music is that it is participatory—you don't have to be a great musician to be a folk singer. [...] And finally, it brings a sense of community. It's the people's music." - Gene Shay, co-founder and host of the Philadelphia Folk Festival talking about Folk Music in a 2003 interview
Hey John, I'm thinking we aren't gonna make it tonight after all. Tim's sick. He's heading to urgent care right now. Just wanted to let you know. We are super disappointed! Have a Great show tonight. Peace & Love, K
Hi John, It is a great day to be alive! Thanks for including me!
What Question can I ask to empower myself and others? What new thought can I notice now to add to my creativity? How can I improve the experience of those I encounter today? What can I do to facilitate your Gift?
Yesterday Is History Tomorrow is a Mystery Today is a Gift... That's why we call it the Present
Gonna try to hit the Grounds next Tuesday....Fenton Winery on the 18th, and opening for YOU at the Farmington Founders Festival on the 19th ! .....itchin' to play !!
Hey John, Yes its well played, and yes Im busy but mostly chasing the almighty dollar (to little avail). Havent booked much lately. I have been working on a printed propaganda campaign though,coming out nicely. Hope your well. Any good shows coming up?
