BIO
Nathen was born in Montreal, and has been a professional
vocalist/bassist/guitarist since 1977, graduating from
Concordia University’s Music Program in 1985. Since calling
Vancouver his home in 1992, he’s enjoyed making music with
numerous local, national and international acts, including
ABBA-Cadabra, Randy Bachman, Keith Bennett (Tin Sandwich),
Joani Bye & The Homewreckers, Susan Crowe, The
Euphorics, Gary Fjellgaard, Babe Gurr, Russell Marsland,
Lowry Olafson, Mark Perry, The Aaron Pritchett Band, Lyndia
Scott, Shari Ulrich, Bill Usher and Edith Wallace. He also
performs regularly with his buddies in The Hitmen
(www.thehitmen.ca).
Nathen’s musical life began in the Catholic church of his
youth, and he’s remained active in
liturgical/sacred/inspirational music ever since. He
performs regularly at many churches, including Unity of
Vancouver, The Centre for Spiritual Living in Vancouver,
and The Centre For Positive Living in White Rock.
Nathen’s spirituality has always been important to him.
Raised as a Roman Catholic, he gave up that identity in his
20s, and has been searching for a truer identity for
himself ever since. In the fall of 2005, he began to
explore Buddhism, and he continues to very much enjoy that
exploration - especially as he now begins to truly
understand the interconnectedness of ALL things.
Nathen believes that his purpose in this life is to inspire
and heal through his music. His debut CD, “Little By
Little”, released in March of 2007, is a powerful
realization of his purpose, fully intertwining his two
passions of music and spirituality.
In an effort to build relationships and get his music out
into the world, Nathen is performing at many events in
2008, including the International Folk Alliance Music
Conference (Memphis) in February, Harmonizing with Humanity
(Phoenix) in March, Music Strategies (Los Angeles) in May,
and at New Thought Music Week (Kansas City) in September.
As a direct result of these experiences, Nathen is now
beginning to perform at house concerts (www.concertsinyourhome.com) and
at New Thought churches in both Canada and the U.S..
When Nathen’s not performing, he’s busy working on his
songwriting or on mastering the NS/Stick
(www.stick.com/instruments/ns/), an
8-stringed instrument that can be plucked like a bass,
strummed like a guitar, or tapped with both hands like a
piano.
Nathen met his partner Sheila in 1998, and they were
married in 2003. Finding Sheila is one of the best things
that's happened to him in this lifetime.
PRESS
A fine, evidently trained Vancouver singer musically
mapping his spiritual quest. You'll hear flashes of
influences like Steely Dan occasionally but this is mostly
an original set with some inspired arrangements.
John P. McLaughlin, The Province
Vocalist Nathen Aswell treads an easy-listening path to
enlightenment on his debut CD Little By Little. Blue-eyed
soul, lite funk and upbeat pop combine with Aswell's
assured delivery for a pleasant, unbumpy, ride.
Shawn Conner, The Vancouver Courier
If you ever need some listening music that is positive,
happy and uplifting then you must acquire a copy of a CD
called "Little By Little". Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist
and composer Nathen Aswell has recorded an upbeat and
uplifting performance of 11 originals. Nathen's
crystal-clear voice is well out front in this recording and
his vocal performances show that he has an incredible range
(a la Stevie Wonder) and knows how to use it. There are
plenty of styles presented on this CD. Just when you think
it is going to be contemporary rock/pop throughout, Nathen
comes up with a composition called "More Than Enough" that
takes you back to the 30s style. This song is complete with
a well-done vocal imitation of a trumpet solo just like the
Mills Brothers (remember them?) used to do. The next track
on the CD is a smooth jazz waltz called "Just Like This".
Nathen's vocal is accompanied by guitarist Daryl Jahnke and
drummer Shawn Soucy. A great duet sung on a song called
"Breathe" features a flawless a cappella performance by
Nathen and Linda Kidder. Another composition called "Psalm
96" and sung solo a cappella by Nathen uses reverb very
effectively and the performance is simply the best. Other
guest performers on the CD include drummer Phil Robertson,
guitarist Andreas Schuld, cellist Finn Manniche and
percussionist Lauri Lyster. The CD was mixed and mastered
by Miles Hill. To purchase this great CD, go to
www.bruha.com or www.nathenaswell.com on the internet, or
e-mail nathenaswell@shaw.ca.
Bob Hales, president of Vancouver Musicians' Ass., Local
145, in "UPBeat" newsletter
When Vancouver, British Columbia’s Nathen Aswell talks
about his debut CD “Little by Little” one can’t help but
think that he’s talking about a journey. In the liner
notes, he writes about the journey of making the 13 tracks
that make up the CD. The cover shot features a path through
the woods, no doubt taken on one of those crisp fall days
that the West Coast of Canada is famous for. And the songs
themselves reflect a multi-faceted journey: a musical quest
and a personal one.
I first met Nathen at the (Chapman) Stick seminar he hosted
in Vancouver back in the mid-90s. At the time he was
playing Stick. Since then, he has moved to NS Stick, yet
another journey. On NS Stick, as this CD shows, Nathen has
found his instrumental voice. Originally a bass player, the
bass grooves on “Little by Little” are tight, solid, and
crisp, with no shortage of pop-funk feel. The NS Stick
chords and melodic accompaniments are likewise crisp and
can’t help but reflect the influence of another wonderful
NS Stick player: Don Schiff.
Nathen’s musical voice is strong - think of well crafted,
Police inspired pop rock tunes – but the real highlight is
Nathen’s actual voice. This guy can sing! Open, honest,
real, enveloping, you can hear all this and more the
instant Nathen’s vocals start. The lyrics are coming from a
deeper place and it is as if Nathen has found a way into
that deeper place and effortlessly lets those words launch
themselves, with passion and commitment, out into the
world. Of course the amount of effort it takes to sound
effortless is obvious, but since the art is to conceal the
art, then Nathen’s singing can only be described as
masterful.
Two songs stand out for me. The title track, “Little By
Little” has gotten into my head, and pleasantly doesn’t
seem to want to get out, and his voice on “Psalm 96” is
simply too much to try and define in these words.
I keep going back to the idea of “Little by Little” as the
reflection and representation of a journey. It sounds like
Nathen’s journey towards music and personal discovery, or
perhaps little snapshots taken along the way.
Either way, many thanks to Nathen for sharing both the road
and some of his stops along the road with me. If you’re
looking for some inspirational, self-affirming music to
accompany you on your journeys, I invite you to check out
Nathen’s music too.
Jim Reilly, StickNews (an online newsletter for the Chapman
Stick community)
PRAISE
Churches:
Before Nathen opens his mouth to sing, before those
talented fingers touch the guitar you know you are in the
presence of a man who makes beautiful music and offers it
generously as a gift to God and anyone lucky enough to be
within earshot.
Don’t EVER miss an opportunity to listen to this man share
his gift!
Rev. Terry Shea, Centre for Positive Living (White Rock, BC
Canada)
Nathen is a dream to work with! His is the embodiment of
sacred service in his musical accompaniment for my Sunday
services.
His heart-felt lyrics and creative guitar playing make an
amazing synergy with any spiritual message.
The music on his CD "Little by Little" has a wonderful mix
of positive music with a message of empowerment and depth.
Rev. Mary Kay Ducey, Centre for Spiritual Living
(Vancouver, BC Canada)
Nathen brings a gentle spirit and quiet power to us through
his music and his sweet and peaceful soul. In his
presence I feel the depth and authenticity of an open
hearted seeker who reminds me that we are all just pilgrims
on our way Home!
Rev. Joy Young, Unity of Vancouver (Vancouver, BC Canada)
House
Concerts:
Nathen's music stirs something deep within me.
His lyrics are rooted in love and hope for peace to ripple
through the human condition. When he performs, he
reveals his vulnerability. This allows me as the listener
to unfold, and gently, little by little, be guided home.
Melany
Dawn, World Rhythm Dancer (North Vancouver, BC Canada)
www.lightinyourmind.blogspot.com
I was tremendously impressed by Nathen's ability in 4
areas:
- he
sang his songs in an lovely and creative way;
- he played his acoustic guitar with amazing talent and
ability;
- he managed to put some great words and thoughts into the
lyrics he wrote;
- he also got me thinking that he and I should try to write
a song together some day, in which I could only contribute
a little to the lyrics, whereas the music and how that went
with the words would be the subject of his magical
endeavour!
David Balser (West Vancouver, BC Canada)
I love your music and the consciousness of the message!
It's wonderful to listen to something with words that I
know will only bring me calmness and love. Funnily enough,
since buying your CD I have been putting on Little By
Little every morning at breakfast and singing along. It has
now become my "morning song" because it gets me in such an
uplifted mood. Plus I am now dreaming the lyrics to some of
your songs and if that isn't a sign of their inspirational
quality, I don't know what is. You have a unique gift.
Bless you for having the courage and authenticity to share
it so joyfully.
Sincerely,
Katherine Read (Vancouver, BC Canada)
Thank you for your sweetness and preciousness. Your concert
last night was absolutely beautiful. Your vision and
mission will carry you far because it comes direct from
your heart.
Thank you for being in my life.
Blessings,
Zoey Wren (Vancouver, BC Canada)
Thank you for inviting me to share the rich experience of
your Home Concert. It was a great time to spend with
family, friends and new acquaintances while
enjoying your beautiful inspirational music. I enjoyed
the feeling of community, the laughter and the
introspection. I left your home filled with tranquility. In
this busy world, we need more opportunities to come
together with friends and share music, laughter and stories
within the comfort of our homes.
Love and hugs to both you and my wonderful daughter,
Trudi Reynolds (Vancouver, BC Canada)
Thank you so much for sharing your music, your tears, your
laughter and your SELF in your recent house concert. It was
inspiring in the truest sense of the word - to breathe in
spirit.
Katherine Scott (Vancouver, BC Canada)
We had a really great time at your house concert. Eleanor
did more crying than I've seen her do in some time (but it
was good crying). For my part I must say that you created a
very special evening. Well done Nathen!
Cheers,
Joe Bourchier (Vancouver, BC Canada)
Your house concert on Friday night was a special treat. The
care in which you and Sheila took to make
everyone feel welcome and special enriched the very
personal musical performance. The evening was a
sharing with community the joy of creative
expression.
With much appreciation,
Eleanor Lipov (Vancouver, BC Canada)
Thank you for inviting us to your house concert last
Friday. We were glad to be able to come to your house
concert.
Since responding to your invitation, every morning when I
wake up, the first tune that pops into my head is Little By
Little.
Stephen and I really enjoyed the intimate and warm
atmosphere of the house concert. I particularly enjoyed the
simplicity of the show - you and a guitar. I was hoping you
would be accompanied by your NS Stick but that may be for
another show.
I thought it was really funny when Sheila would pop into
the scene every time you were about to share a story about
her or tell a story about how she inspired you to write
some of the songs.
With our lives having been in over-drive since last summer
and the pace not letting up anytime soon, being at your
home concert was very meditative and relaxing for us both.
It was one of those rare few hours where we did not talk
about our home renovations or made plans for what work
needs to get done that weekend. It gave us a chance to be
“in the present”.
Daisy Mak (Vancouver, BC Canada)
I’m a tad cynical. When I first met Nathen and heard his
music I was thinking, “Hmm, spiritual, new agey performer,
wonder if it’s for real.” I was wary of a wolf in sheep’s
clothing. Last week I was invited to Nathen’s house concert
and got to hear him live in a very intimate performance.
Better still, I was able to hear about and talk with
friends in his social and performing circles. Now I’m
convinced! Nathen is for real. He’s trying to live what he
writes and sings about, no doubt left in my mind. And the
house concert was great fun. For some numbers he had the
whole room singing. During others you could have heard a
pin drop. Now that I’ve seen both types of show, I
wholeheartedly recommend either a solo performance like a
house concert or one with his band and guests in a larger
venue.
Kris Obertas (Vancouver, BC Canada)
Thank you so much for a warm and moving performance on
Friday night. I love the way you connected so well with the
audience and how you shared the inspirations behind your
compositions. A beautiful evening. I’d like to have you do
that at my place sometime; will see what’s possible down
the road.
Love
Christine Hayvice (Vancouver, BC Canada)
I didn't really know anyone there and yet I walked in late
and felt welcomed and at home immediately. You and Sheila
have created true community... as you shared and were so
unconditionally inclusive about allowing and inviting me to
share what I do in the world... I knew being with you and
your beloved community was an experience of "Being Home" of
Oneness. As your songs vibrated through my physical body I
was opened to the love that I am. I felt in harmony with
everyone present and I was able to lay my mind in my heart
and just be me!
Thank you dear friends... juicy blessings!!!
In loving appreciation
Ann Marie Wright (Vancouver, BC Canada)