Greg Nathan: I'll Think Of Something

Bassist/vocalist Greg Nathan makes it perfectly clear that he would like the liner notes of I'll Think of Something to be read before listening to the disc. He wants to lay the groundwork for an intimate and proper homage to his late father, composer Charles Nathan. Joining Nathan is guitarist Mike Denny for a recital of eleven original compositions and standards. Among these is Charles Nathan's "I'll Think Of Something" from his musical "Where The Heck's The Plot," which is a real treat because of the close and personal way Nathan plays and sings the piece.

Nathan follows the title piece with the original "My Own Man," a statement announcing that he is picking up where his father left off. But this is getting ahead of ourselves. What really makes this collection of songs special is the honest and unadorned treatment within the close confines of this bass-guitar duo. Nathan is a very capable singer who immediately captures the attention with the perfect imperfection of his voice. Nathan has the voice of a lyricist: think of listening to Oscar Hammerstein or Lorenz Hart singing at the piano. While Nathan will not be mistaken for being a great singer, his singing approach is filled with a charming honesty that is endearing if not infectious.

"Georgia On My Mind," "Like Someone In Love" and "Alright, Okay, You Win" all brim with mirth and sincerity. Denny's support of Nathan is carefully tuned with plenty of time for soloing by both parties. Of particular note is the duo's performance of "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance" where Nathan bows and vocalizes the lyrics save for the title words, which he sings while playing pizzicato. After subsequent listenings, this old Victor Young/Ned Washington song really establishes itself as a centerpiece, displaying all the talent wares of the recording.

I'll Think of Something is a recording in the vein of Paul Marinaro's Without A Song (Self Produced, 2013) which was a digital love song to Marinaro's father. Nathan's efforts are superior in their simplicity and authenticity. It is always good to acknowledge from where we came.