bio

EDGY. DYNAMIC. POWERFUL. These are all common adjectives used to describe the music of blues-rock guitarist, Nathan Pope.  Originally from the heart of North Carolina, Nathan received his first guitar at the age of 2 and was teaching himself to play by the age of 7. He gives credit to his Grandmother, Doris Powell, for her inspiration and love of music. 

Nathan spent years going to blues jams where he honed his craft under the mentoring of some of the area's finest musicians. For years now, Nathan has been performing at festivals and venues across the state with a band of his own and has even been featured in NC's renowned Our State Magazine as a blues guitar prodigy. For several summers Nathan ventured to Clarksdale, Mississippi for the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop where he studied under the likes of Bob Margolin, Jonn Del Toro Richardson, Victor Wainwright, and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. 

In 2016 he represented the Triangle Blues Society in the Youth Showcase at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2018 the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society honored him with their Mike Carr Junior Bluesman of the Year Award. He also released his first CD, I'm Not Alone, in 2018 which showcases his blues-rock roots.  Nathan has received the tremendous honor of being selected as the 1st place winner of the top 10 guitarists under the age of 20 in the world by the Dallas International Guitar Show in 2021. In 2022, he was a nominee for Best Rock Artist in the prestigious Carolina Music Awards!

The release of his new full-length album highlights 2022 after a full year of devotion to the project. "Waiting There For Me" truly encompasses Nathan's heart and soul. The album is full of powerful blues-rock with a new generation punch. Nathan grew up listening to roots rockers from Eric Johnson and Gary Moore to Joe Bonamassa and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Eleven of the twelve songs on the album are originals that are all about the influences and inspirations of those who came before him but done in a way that brings forth his own style to this talent-filled genre.

His notable performances across North Carolina include Shakori Hill Grassroots Festivals, The Carolina Blues Festival, Centerfest, Sparkcon, Rowan Jazz and Blues Festival, The Rabbit Hole, Hippie Fest, Sunrise Theater's Blues Crawl, Fat Frogg, The Blind Tiger, and Motorco.  He has also performed at King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR, Ground Zero Blues Club in MS, and The Dallas International Guitar Festival.  

Nathan has a devoted following with over 2,500 followers on social media platforms. He has proven that he can capture audiences in shows from modest indoor corners to large outdoor stages, from local markets to sharing stages with national touring professionals. Nathan never fails to entertain the crowd and leave them wanting more. 

quotes

 

A guitarist on the rise highly recommended!

~ Colin Campbell, Blues Matters Magazine (Aug 2022) 

As a composer, he is lightyears ahead of his age, sliding up and down the scales like there is no tomorrow. He can make his instrument howl like a banshee and purr like a contented kitten. 

~Hans Werksman, Here Comes The Flood blog (July 2022)

"When it comes to talented young people, Nathan Pope is top shelf.  His musical ability and skill level on the guitar is well advanced for someone his age.  His classic blues riffs and edgy rock overtones sound like a veteran guitarist who has been playing for years.  It was an honor to have him on the Carolina Blues Festival stage.  His performance gave the festival a huge wow factor and he received rave reviews from the crowd." 

~ TL Lineberry, Carolina Blues Festival Chair 

    

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