Nathan Temby

Jeremy Hovies is currenty spinning "Seattle Lullaby", "Sweet Denmark", and "The Last Bells" on his show "Last Call" (Tuesdays - Saturdays 1am to 7am ET, channel 109)! - Jeremy Hovies

Piano-driven pop ballads and a warm and inviting tenor voice await you at Linnaea's Cafe on Friday, Feb. 22, when Nathan Temby plays an 8 p.m. concert with Amber Gougis. Temby's AAA radio-ready sound, soaring vocals, and dashing good looks have made him a favorite of Sacramento's Gay Pride and Rainbow Festivals, not to mention a fav at San Francisco's The Cannery (with more than 15 return engagements). If you're looking for some heartfelt acoustic songs, Temby's your man. - Glen Starkey

by Paul E. Pratt

published Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Climate Theatre hosts gay singer/songwriter's first promotional performance

Northern California native Nathan Temby says his upcoming tour is an opportunity to introduce himself -- and the uniquely-flavored brand of piano pop found on his debut CD Pocket Change -- to listeners along the West Coast.

Cutting his teeth at the Gay Pride and annual Rainbow Festival in his hometown of Sacramento, Temby's work has drawn musical comparisons to Tori Amos and Carole King. His vocals remind some of Barry Manilow. A veritable staple at The Cannery on Fisherman's Wharf, Temby is currently filming the second video from Pocket Change.

The handsome 25-year old now has performances lined up throughout California and dates in Oregon, Washington and Colorado as well. The openly-gay singer/songwriter talks about his decision to kick things off June 6 at San Francisco's Climate Theatre.

Singer/songwriter Nathan Temby kicks off west coast tourWhen did you decide to pursue a career in music?

"I think somewhere in my mind, I always knew that music was an integral part of my life. I really started to think about it as a career at around 15. It's taken ten years just to get this far, but I can't think of anything else that I would want to do with my life."

Has the recent success of other openly-gay singer/songwriters like Rufus Wainwright opened doors for performers such as yourself?

"Well, I think in some ways, yes. We mustn't forget Elton John who not only paved a bit of that Yellow Brick Road, but also had the attitude to go with it. I love Rufus as well. He is a contemporary singer-songwriter who has paved the way for a newer sound and writing style for me."

Do recording industry changes -- primarily the transition from printed CDs to electronic music -- make it easier for emerging artists?

"The resources are much better than even five years ago, and thus a lot of people have an opportunity to do things on their own terms. The thing is, you still have to have a work ethic to use those resources to your best advantage. That's something I am still learning daily."

You kick-off and end your acoustic tour in San Francisco. How did you choose the stops along the way?

"Actually, the tour will be continuing past that date, well into the new year. I'm just getting started! I would love to tour outside the States at some point, maybe Europe or Australia. The stops are chosen based on where I would like to play, whether or not someone will book me there, and the timeframe I am working in as far as traveling. I also chose places that are conducive to my show, which is very intimate and acoustic."

Are your performances opportunities to test and see how audiences respond to new material?

"I've done that with the shows prior to releasing this album, although I may work in some new material as the tour progresses. The tour is more to promote the album and meet people. I want to get out there and connect with and build an audience for my music."

What is the best part of performing live?

"It's cathartic for me and the connection you can make with a room full of people for a couple of hours is a high that you just can't equal."

Nathan Temby performs live at the Climate Theater on June 6, 8pm, $7 Cover. For more information, visit NathanTemby.com. - Planetout.com / Gay.com

by Paul E. Pratt

published Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Climate Theatre hosts gay singer/songwriter's first promotional performance

Northern California native Nathan Temby says his upcoming tour is an opportunity to introduce himself -- and the uniquely-flavored brand of piano pop found on his debut CD Pocket Change -- to listeners along the West Coast.

Cutting his teeth at the Gay Pride and annual Rainbow Festival in his hometown of Sacramento, Temby's work has drawn musical comparisons to Tori Amos and Carole King. His vocals remind some of Barry Manilow. A veritable staple at The Cannery on Fisherman's Wharf, Temby is currently filming the second video from Pocket Change.

The handsome 25-year old now has performances lined up throughout California and dates in Oregon, Washington and Colorado as well. The openly-gay singer/songwriter talks about his decision to kick things off June 6 at San Francisco's Climate Theatre.

Singer/songwriter Nathan Temby kicks off west coast tourWhen did you decide to pursue a career in music?

"I think somewhere in my mind, I always knew that music was an integral part of my life. I really started to think about it as a career at around 15. It's taken ten years just to get this far, but I can't think of anything else that I would want to do with my life."

Has the recent success of other openly-gay singer/songwriters like Rufus Wainwright opened doors for performers such as yourself?

"Well, I think in some ways, yes. We mustn't forget Elton John who not only paved a bit of that Yellow Brick Road, but also had the attitude to go with it. I love Rufus as well. He is a contemporary singer-songwriter who has paved the way for a newer sound and writing style for me."

Do recording industry changes -- primarily the transition from printed CDs to electronic music -- make it easier for emerging artists?

"The resources are much better than even five years ago, and thus a lot of people have an opportunity to do things on their own terms. The thing is, you still have to have a work ethic to use those resources to your best advantage. That's something I am still learning daily."

You kick-off and end your acoustic tour in San Francisco. How did you choose the stops along the way?

"Actually, the tour will be continuing past that date, well into the new year. I'm just getting started! I would love to tour outside the States at some point, maybe Europe or Australia. The stops are chosen based on where I would like to play, whether or not someone will book me there, and the timeframe I am working in as far as traveling. I also chose places that are conducive to my show, which is very intimate and acoustic."

Are your performances opportunities to test and see how audiences respond to new material?

"I've done that with the shows prior to releasing this album, although I may work in some new material as the tour progresses. The tour is more to promote the album and meet people. I want to get out there and connect with and build an audience for my music."

What is the best part of performing live?

"It's cathartic for me and the connection you can make with a room full of people for a couple of hours is a high that you just can't equal."

Nathan Temby performs live at the Climate Theater on June 6, 8pm, $7 Cover. For more information, visit NathanTemby.com. - Planetout.com / Gay.com

CD Review From MySpace.com
Its funny how some works of art can connect with you on deep levels that you can never explain to anyone else. Through the past week, my soundtrack has entirely been provided by Nathan Temby, beautiful musician who just released his first c.d. entitled "Pocket Change." I have reasons to be attached to this project (hell, I'm thanked in the liner notes!); I watched Nathan, as a friend, devote the past five years to creating this c.d. and self financing his art. I am so proud of him. I have had the privileged to sit in his room and listen to him play early drafts of these songs.....these moments were some of the most hauntingly beautiful memories that stand out from so many trips to the City.....the friendship between Nathan and I has dealt with the strains of time and space, but I still feel connected to his music. He and I both share a same major inspiration (the fabulous Tori Amos, whose influence can be heard throughout Nathan's style). I have to thank Nathan for creating such a heartfelt and honest piece of work with some superbly strong lyrics and some incredible musical strains. (Yes I have even gotten used to the 80's inspired guitar solos, in fact, I frickin' love them nowadays).

But the odd thing is, on my first listen to the c.d., I was finding myself singing along to songs that I hardly knew. The emotions, the thoughts, and the concepts woven in to the chords reached out to me. I have been loving to drown myself in these rich melodies and deep emotional rifts.

My highlight will always be "Downtown," the first song Nathan ever played for me.

But the entire c.d. is great. "Baggaged Ones" makes me cry every time. And the instrumental section of "Bells Are Ringing" has given everyone goose bumps.
- Matt From MySpace

CD Review From MySpace.com
Its funny how some works of art can connect with you on deep levels that you can never explain to anyone else. Through the past week, my soundtrack has entirely been provided by Nathan Temby, beautiful musician who just released his first c.d. entitled "Pocket Change." I have reasons to be attached to this project (hell, I'm thanked in the liner notes!); I watched Nathan, as a friend, devote the past five years to creating this c.d. and self financing his art. I am so proud of him. I have had the privileged to sit in his room and listen to him play early drafts of these songs.....these moments were some of the most hauntingly beautiful memories that stand out from so many trips to the City.....the friendship between Nathan and I has dealt with the strains of time and space, but I still feel connected to his music. He and I both share a same major inspiration (the fabulous Tori Amos, whose influence can be heard throughout Nathan's style). I have to thank Nathan for creating such a heartfelt and honest piece of work with some superbly strong lyrics and some incredible musical strains. (Yes I have even gotten used to the 80's inspired guitar solos, in fact, I frickin' love them nowadays).

But the odd thing is, on my first listen to the c.d., I was finding myself singing along to songs that I hardly knew. The emotions, the thoughts, and the concepts woven in to the chords reached out to me. I have been loving to drown myself in these rich melodies and deep emotional rifts.

My highlight will always be "Downtown," the first song Nathan ever played for me.

But the entire c.d. is great. "Baggaged Ones" makes me cry every time. And the instrumental section of "Bells Are Ringing" has given everyone goose bumps.
- Matt From MySpace

Another EXTREMELY Talented Singer: Nathan Temby

Here is another artist who is also a sweet guy and EXTREMELY talented. At Rainbow Festival a few weeks ago, I saw people literally stop in their tracks when they heard him. One person referred to him as our own Barry Manilow (yes, he meant that as a compliment). I have listened to his new song Seattle Lullaby about 100 times this week. So everyone take a moment and check him out! His new CD is now for sale and is on my top 10 of 2006. - Matthew

Another EXTREMELY Talented Singer: Nathan Temby

Here is another artist who is also a sweet guy and EXTREMELY talented. At Rainbow Festival a few weeks ago, I saw people literally stop in their tracks when they heard him. One person referred to him as our own Barry Manilow (yes, he meant that as a compliment). I have listened to his new song Seattle Lullaby about 100 times this week. So everyone take a moment and check him out! His new CD is now for sale and is on my top 10 of 2006. - Matthew

Reviewer: “Princess”
I have listened to my copy a dozen times already and I am just amazed at the quality and sheer guts that Nathan has presented. The Artist has left a bit of himself with each of his self-penned tracks and it shows. From his beautiful ballads to his faster songs. I have heard Nathan sing live and have heard most of these songs, but he has changed, added and recreated each of these pieces. Pocket change stands out as one of the clearest and most beautiful self-reflection songs I have ever heard. If you have never heard Nathan sing before BUY THIS CD, If you have heard him sing live you will already want a copy.
- Amazon.com

Reviewer: “Princess”
I have listened to my copy a dozen times already and I am just amazed at the quality and sheer guts that Nathan has presented. The Artist has left a bit of himself with each of his self-penned tracks and it shows. From his beautiful ballads to his faster songs. I have heard Nathan sing live and have heard most of these songs, but he has changed, added and recreated each of these pieces. Pocket change stands out as one of the clearest and most beautiful self-reflection songs I have ever heard. If you have never heard Nathan sing before BUY THIS CD, If you have heard him sing live you will already want a copy.
- Amazon.com

Reviewer: Josiah Stickels
The recorded tracks live up to the reputation this artist has for his live performances. I especially love the soaring notes of "Sweet Denmark" and the uplifting "Pocket Change" but the singer/songwriter/pianist shines throughout the album!

Reviewer: Fatima Kristoph
I am a student at Sacramento State and heard Seattle Lullaby played on our university radio station! I was captured by the song and couldn't wait to buy the whole album! I bought it, listened to it and LOVE IT!

Reviewer: James Martin
this CD is really amazing, passion and brains, and a deep sense of the artist and all of this on a debut CD. I have played my copy again and again and it never gets old. Pocket change is a great song and gets better with each listen.

Reviewer: K.T. ANDERSON
The songs are wonderful. I especially liked Seattle Lullaby and the title cut, Pocket Change. Baggaged Ones captures the essence of relationships, good and bad. The piano is very melodic and, at times, haunting. Very strong voice with a terrific range. This young man has talent that is yet to be tapped. I look forward to future releases and performances.
- CDBaby

Reviewer: Josiah Stickels
The recorded tracks live up to the reputation this artist has for his live performances. I especially love the soaring notes of "Sweet Denmark" and the uplifting "Pocket Change" but the singer/songwriter/pianist shines throughout the album!

Reviewer: Fatima Kristoph
I am a student at Sacramento State and heard Seattle Lullaby played on our university radio station! I was captured by the song and couldn't wait to buy the whole album! I bought it, listened to it and LOVE IT!

Reviewer: James Martin
this CD is really amazing, passion and brains, and a deep sense of the artist and all of this on a debut CD. I have played my copy again and again and it never gets old. Pocket change is a great song and gets better with each listen.

Reviewer: K.T. ANDERSON
The songs are wonderful. I especially liked Seattle Lullaby and the title cut, Pocket Change. Baggaged Ones captures the essence of relationships, good and bad. The piano is very melodic and, at times, haunting. Very strong voice with a terrific range. This young man has talent that is yet to be tapped. I look forward to future releases and performances.
- CDBaby

Okay, so the album has been for over a year now and that I tend to run about two to three years late when it comes to hearing about the latest trend. I mean, c'mon, the kids have been text messaging for, like, eternity. It's not only until recently that I've taken that on with the zeal of a hungry sea otter beating a clam to death on a rocky, oceanside cliff. Or an oyster, wait, is it a clam? As usual, I digress.

I saw this young man at the Rainbow Festival while I was volunteering for the Sac Center and Equality California. I'll admit that I wasn't really into a lot of the acts that were going on because I was busy walking the grounds and ensuring everything was in order. That was until I saw Nathan Temby take the stage wearing a "Keep It Gay" t-shirt and a keyboard. I stopped and listened.

The music resonated through the banter of the crowd and really spoke to me. I must've stood there through his entire set, mesmerized and feeling tingly. To top it off, he finished the set with a cover of Tori Amos' "Take To The Sky" co-mingled with Carole King's "I Feel The Earth Move." That was it, I was gonna get this guy's CD. I made my way to the stage-side, bought a copy, had it autographed and left feeling elated. I vowed to listen to it on my way back from the festival.

I'm glad I did.

Mr. Temby's sound is piano-based, combined with an impressive vocal range reinforced with emotion and insightful lyrics, "Pocket Change" is a near-perfect debut. The only drawback is that it is simply not long enough to enjoy. As a result, I am often putting it on the "Repeat All" setting.

The production is great, focusing on the piano and bringing it to the forefront when there are other instruments in the mix. Temby's voice is the icing to a rather delectable musical entree. Each song of the 12-song album serves up its own flavour. Personally, it's more soulful than the run-of-the-mill piano chanteuse. Which he is not.

Some of my personal highlights from the record are "Atlantis" with its sweeping vocals and gentle, soulful delivery. Followed by "The Last Bells" with the driving sweep of the keys as Temby showcases impressive dexterity of finger and key as well as vocals. The solo in the song is perhaps the most driven bit of music I've heard since first listening to Tori Amos play the harpsichord in the Pele days. The last minutes are wired with such awesome lyrics and delivery that I am often left feeling cheated and empty. It's great music.

The album has its quieter moments with songs like "Hostage," "Soldier," "Prayer" and the title cut. The stand-out in this department would have to be "Soldier" which addresses the anxiety, wonder and melancholy of the unknown fate of a loved one who may be in the military or someone who faces dangerous circumstances regularly. Though this may not be Temby's intent, it addresses my personal views on gay military members and their partners who may never know the fate of their fellow uniformed loved ones. Overall, Temby's intentions may be just for the listener to interpret what he has created, to take from it what we can. Either way, he has done a masterful job tapping into the emotional core of this former military man.

There are great moments in this record. "Sweet Denmark" always leaves me with a feeling of inspiration and elation with its coupling of piano and a band. Temby demonstrates his passionate voice in this track, leaving me feeling intoxicated and feeling better about life overall. "Baggaged Ones" was one of the clearer tracks I heard at the festival and it resonated with me, the studio track both resonates and captures me as a story unfolds within the words. This is a great track for those who are experiencing the emotions and loss of a relationship as he addresses memories to the weight of the soul ("Maybe you should lose some weight/Baby, these memories weigh a ton/When we're a million miles away/Will you still have room for these baggaged ones?"). The repeated line, "You said it's better this way and I said I knew you so well," keeps me drawn to what Temby's got next. And there are greater moments still.

During the drive home from the festival, this track kept me feeling good. "Downtown" with its sultry, late-night feel as a result of Temby's well-delivered lyrics and the awesomely metropolitan chorus. The verses are obscure, however, the voice is the star in this track. The production focuses more on creating atmosphere with the band and the piano. Temby's voice is both sexy and free, the piano solo is great here as well. It's jazzy, sultry and leaves me wanting more. This track is the one I put on repeat most often.

Overall, I'm impressed with Nathan Temby's debut and wish I'd known about him earlier. Perhaps it'd have helped with the earlier events of my life. Either way, I'm thankful for his contribution to the music world and cannot wait for what he has next. I only hope to catch him in more than the final show of his tour.

Rating: 5.0 ou - myspace.com/boiblue980

Let me tell you about my favorite singer

I love the magical effect great music can have on my life, but I've never heard anything more beautiful than the voice of the very talented Nathan Temby. He has been my favorite singer for quite a few years now, and I feel at home, in a very different way than the way a skating rink can make me feel at home (and in many ways, even more so), whenever his music is around.

I always end up feeling, to put it simply, that "life is wonderful." I think a big part of my fondness for his music stems from the fact that it was with me through my college years, which for me was a very significant period of personal growth. I only had his demo cd with 3 songs on it at the time, if that's any indication of how powerful his music is, but they were always able to lift me up if I was feeling down, and inspire me in unexpected moments. They helped me "find myself," so to speak.

"Baggaged Ones" helped me get over the loss of a very close friend, as well as the shock of seeing a stranger lose his life before my very eyes, and helped me keep my head up during the year I took off from school, which I still consider to have been the roughest year of my life (I can't tear myself away from school, and I think my parents are starting to wonder if I'm under the impression that I can make a career out of being a student)!

But beyond all that, today, as his music still helps me keep my head up, it sparks life in me, especially "Sweet Denmark," which can make me feel passionate about life in ways that no other song out there can. I find all the essentials to happiness in his music: light, laughter, love, hope, inspiration. I've never gotten such a thrill from anyone else's music, so I know I've found something truly special.

Even today, after listening to his album on my way to school, I went into my first final feeling completely relaxed, even happy.

He's an amazing performer; I love his energy and passion, and he obviously loves what he's doing. I love the connection he makes with the audience, and each performance is an adventure in itself. But since my words don't do justice to his creative genius, check him out, grab a cd, share this experience with me! - Joy

Let me tell you about my favorite singer

I love the magical effect great music can have on my life, but I've never heard anything more beautiful than the voice of the very talented Nathan Temby. He has been my favorite singer for quite a few years now, and I feel at home, in a very different way than the way a skating rink can make me feel at home (and in many ways, even more so), whenever his music is around.

I always end up feeling, to put it simply, that "life is wonderful." I think a big part of my fondness for his music stems from the fact that it was with me through my college years, which for me was a very significant period of personal growth. I only had his demo cd with 3 songs on it at the time, if that's any indication of how powerful his music is, but they were always able to lift me up if I was feeling down, and inspire me in unexpected moments. They helped me "find myself," so to speak.

"Baggaged Ones" helped me get over the loss of a very close friend, as well as the shock of seeing a stranger lose his life before my very eyes, and helped me keep my head up during the year I took off from school, which I still consider to have been the roughest year of my life (I can't tear myself away from school, and I think my parents are starting to wonder if I'm under the impression that I can make a career out of being a student)!

But beyond all that, today, as his music still helps me keep my head up, it sparks life in me, especially "Sweet Denmark," which can make me feel passionate about life in ways that no other song out there can. I find all the essentials to happiness in his music: light, laughter, love, hope, inspiration. I've never gotten such a thrill from anyone else's music, so I know I've found something truly special.

Even today, after listening to his album on my way to school, I went into my first final feeling completely relaxed, even happy.

He's an amazing performer; I love his energy and passion, and he obviously loves what he's doing. I love the connection he makes with the audience, and each performance is an adventure in itself. But since my words don't do justice to his creative genius, check him out, grab a cd, share this experience with me! - Joy

Nathan's single "Seattle Lullaby" has had spins on Sacramento State's Campus Radio station, KSSU. - Sacramento State University

Nathan's single "Seattle Lullaby" has had spins on Sacramento State's Campus Radio station, KSSU. - Sacramento State University

Jeremy Hovies is currenty spinning "Seattle Lullaby", "Sweet Denmark", and "The Last Bells" on his show "Last Call" (Tuesdays - Saturdays 1am to 7am ET, channel 109)! - Jeremy Hovies

Piano-driven pop ballads and a warm and inviting tenor voice await you at Linnaea's Cafe on Friday, Feb. 22, when Nathan Temby plays an 8 p.m. concert with Amber Gougis. Temby's AAA radio-ready sound, soaring vocals, and dashing good looks have made him a favorite of Sacramento's Gay Pride and Rainbow Festivals, not to mention a fav at San Francisco's The Cannery (with more than 15 return engagements). If you're looking for some heartfelt acoustic songs, Temby's your man. - Glen Starkey