Nathan East Second Thoughts

Nathan East Second Thoughts

- Chris Jisi 

EVEN THOUGH NATHAN EAST DIDN’T rev up his solo career until 2014, with his Grammy nominated self-titled debut, it seems like he has flashed solo-artist potential since cracking the session and touring scene in the early ’80s, with his melodic, vocally phrased bass lines and scat-and lady solos. Then, of course, there’s his 1991 “Easy Lover” collaboration with Phil Collins and Philip Bailey, and 25 years of writing, singing, and playing with Fourplay. In 2015 East released The New Cool, his upright-minded duet disc with Bob James—but now he’s back with his sophomore side, Reverence. Building on the strings-and-horn-infused R&B/jazz sound of his debut, the 12-track disc boasts Collins, Bailey, Verdine White, Eric Clapton, Chick Corea, Yolonda Adams, Ruben Studdard, Hubert Laws, and more. Offers a grateful Nate, “In an era when everyone is cutting budgets and using synthesized strings and horns, it’s nice when your label tells you to get the guest artists you want and encourages you to use real strings and horns to make the music as big as you envision.”

How did Reverence come together and get its name?

We had recorded 25 songs for my first album, so we knew we had some gems that would enable us to hit the ground running this time out. We used three of those tracks and cut nine more songs, and then it was time to start pondering a title. That came from thinking about all the greats we lost in 2016, like Maurice White, Prince, Toots Thielemans, Victor Bailey, Rod Temperton, David Bowie—it seemed relentless. So I thought, we’ve got to pay reverence to those who have gone before us and also appreciate those who are still here.

Your opening instrumental cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Love’s Holiday” sets the funky pace.