The youngest of four children, Nate's musical journey began while watching his older brother play drums in high school band. At the behest of his mother, Nate began private piano lessons at age ten, but by age twelve, he began to show an apparent talent for the drums. Like most young African-American musicians, his first performances occurred at his church, where he played drums with his mother's choir.
His earliest education in recorded music came from his father's vinyl collection, mostly comprised of 70's R&B, jazz and funk with artists like Quincy Jones, Bob James and George Duke. His older brother introduced him to the British rock of the 80's, bands like The Police, Genesis, King Crimson and Level 42 as well as Black American rock bands likeThe Police, Genesis, King Crimson and Level 42 as well as Black American rock bands like Living Colour and Bad Brains.
It was in his senior year in high school that Nate discovered the soundtrack to the Thelonius Monk documentary "Straight No Chaser". From then on, Nate was committed to being a musician. It was also during this time that Nate began learning about electronic instruments and sequencing. He started to compose and produce music with synthesizers and drum machines at the age of 15, and by the time he got to college he was well ahead of the MIDI learning curve.
While pursuing his undergraduate studies at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, Nate was playing in various school jazz ensembles as well as forming and playing in various bands off campus. It was here that he met John Gordon and Shanta Jasper, and the three of them formed the R&B group ASCENSION. Ascension would later release the independent LP "Naked Soul," produced by Nate, which received favorable reviews in trade publications in the US and UK.tet. Since then, he's had the privilege of performing and/or recording with Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Craig Taborn, Adam Rogers and many other wonderful musicians
While in his junior year, Nate was selected by legendary jazz singer Betty Carter to be a part of her esteemed Jazz Ahead program in 1995. The program has produced a who's who of young jazz luminaries, including Jason Moran Cyrus Chestnut, Jacky Terrason, Eric Harland and Mark Shim. Nate continued to play with Betty off an on until her passing in 1998.
After receiving his B.S in Media Arts and Design, Nate continued his musical studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. It was there that he met the legendary jazz bassist and composer Dave Holland. This meeting would eventually lead to more performances with the master musician before Nate moved to New York City in 2001. That same year, Nate co-wrote and co-produced the song "Heaven Can Wait" for the king of Pop, himself, Michael Jackson. Since then, Nate has written and produced for many established and up-and -coming R&B, Soul, and Pop artists, including Teddy Riley, Monifah, Jarrard Anthony, Antoinique and many others.
In August 2003, Dave Holland called Nate to join his Grammy-nominated quintet. Since then, he's had the privilege of performing and/or recording with Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Craig Taborn, Adam Rogers and many other wonderful musicians.