Nate Birkey, trumpet and vocals; others vary depending on the coast... (East) Marko Marcinko, drums; Tony Marino, bass; Jim Ridl, piano; Steve Rudolph, piano; Bill Moring, bass.
(West) Cougar Estrada, drums; Jim Connolly, bass; Jamieson Trotter, piano; Justin Claveria, sax.
Influences
Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, Louis Armstrong, etc..., Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Johnny Hartman, Wayne Shorter, Sarah Vaughn, Cassandra Wilson, Keith Jarrett, Dave Douglas, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Tom Waits, Bill Frisell, Willie Nelson, Cal Tjader, Stravinsky, Mahler, Bach... and many, many more.
Sounds Like
NEW CD NOW AVAILABLE!
NATE BIRKEY QUINTET: Shortest Day
His subtle vocal and trumpet approach has often been compared to that of Chet Baker and Miles Davis respectively; a sound poised and assured, powerfully stark and spare, it creates an atmosphere at once solitary and electric.
NATE BIRKEY QUINTET: The Mennonite
Nate Birkey's sense of the modern mainstream includes original compositions derived from straight-ahead jazz, Latin, and blues traditions, highlighted by moody trumpet daydreams and cohesive ensemble play.
NATE BIRKEY: Ballads
The timbre of his disarmingly soft voice is itself closely akin to the sound he gets out of his trumpet, and it is precisely these melancholy vocals that - combined with his effortless skill on the horn - have critics comparing him to Chet Baker.
"Nate Birkey, he of mysterious charisma, subtle gossamer trumpet lines and understated voice, hunches over the microphone and leans into his phrases, shutting out the world." - Josef Woodard, Los Angeles Times
Hiya Nate, just got to look at some photo's you were 'tagged' in and I must say the ones in the jeans and shirt are really excellent photos! Hope you've been having fun. Hugs Sally xx
Sorry I missed you the other night Nate. I heard you were in town. I was just listening to a little CB and it reminded me of you! :) Have a great evening. Hope to see you again soon.
Hey Nate, Have a fabulous time with all those CD release parties! I am still waiting on CDBaby to put up an MP3 download, but if it takes too long I will simply just have to get a CD 'mailed' and hope for the best! Have a fantastic week, hugs Sally xx
Cheeky me.. I emailed CDbaby to ask about a possible MP3 download as opposed to a mailed CD (we have had stuff stolen).. they say it's coming.. so once it does.; woohoo. I will have the "cd" in full..
Nate!! I'm soooo sad I can't make it on Wednesday.... But I am helping with the Jazz Festival, so I will see you then for sure!! ;) have the greatest time at the Release Party!!
