- Lee Konitz
Nathan Clevenger has been performing jazz, improvisation, rock, and other music of all descriptions throughout the Bay Area since 1991. He currently leads the Nathan Clevenger Group, a 5 piece experimental jazz ensemble dedicated to performing his original compositions and featuring the talents of artists such as Aaron Novik, Ches Smith, Cornelius Boots, Sam Bevan, Dan Seamans, Tim Bulkley, Mitch Marcus & Devin Hoff. Nathan's other main current projects are sideman work as a member of bass clarinetist/composer Aaron Novik's loud chamber jazz band Cutting Guard and leader of The Jazz Profiteers. These days, he performs at Bay Area venues including The Jazz House, Bruno's, Epic Arts, and Cafe Van Kleef, to name a few.
From 2001 to 2003, Nathan lived in Brooklyn and performed his original music with a New York-based sextet version of the Nathan Clevenger Group. Additionally, he collaborated with violinist Sarah Gancher in writing and performing an original score for Curious Noise Theatre Group's production of Pablo Picasso's play Desire Caught By The Tail, which was performed at the HERE Arts Center in Downtown Manhattan during March of 2002.
Besides his current performing projects, Nathan has also been working on writing for and rehearsing an exotica-influenced big band, which he hopes to unleash on the world in the not-too-distant future. He also recently joined the punk/country band Doctors In Love.
OLDER STUFF/BONUS TRACK
From 1996 through 2000, Nathan concentrated on performing jazz standards and originals in a variety of Bay Area clubs, bars and restaurants with the Nathan Clevenger Trio and a variety of duo settings.
Outside of the jazz world, Nathan is (as keyboardist) is a founding member (along with bassist Jory Cunningham) of the rarely-seen noise/improv/funk band 300 Pound Parrot and it's various spin off aggregates. He has done studio & live sideman work for a variety of local rock bands, playing keyboards, guitars, bass, and vibes. From 1991 until 1996, Nathan was lead guitarist & songwriter for the jazz/rock band troutfarm, who played frequently throughout the bay area and Oregon and released a pair of albums...if you want to go way back. He has also written and recorded music for student film and cartoons.
NATHAN'S CATS PANTING