RIP Nat Reese - March 24, 1924 to June 8, 2012.West Virginia blues artist Nat Reese represented the rich regional songster tradition of combining blues, swing, folk songs and standards into a well rounded reperitoire. He posessed a great voice, solid guitar technique and a charismatic stage presence. He died Friday at age 88. Nat began playing the guitar as a young man and performed in various string bands throughout the coalfield areas of Virginia. He later became the leader of the Starlight Gospel Singers before teaming up with fiddler Howard Armstrong. He recorded a number of albums and ocassionally toured Europe. In 2009 he was inducted in the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame. He most recently collaborated with harmonica player Phil Wiggins and a album by the pairing has been recorded and will hopefully be released soon.
To read an in depth interview with this great musican click here. Though not a well known artist outside of his home-base, Nat Reese was a hero to those that knew him. We thank him for his rich musical contributions.
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