Album Notes

Madison songwriter Aaron Nathans plays creative, literate acoustic folk-rock. His performances are upbeat and engaging. He chooses odd song topics, like politicians and grapefruit. He can crack you up while making you think. He is a storyteller with a guitar.

He is releasing his debut album, "Same Old You," this spring. The new folk-rock record crackles with honesty and heartfelt storytelling. It offers sonic variety and a palpable sense of place, from a Rockwell portrait of a New England morning to cold nights longing for love in the American West.

Nathans' song, "I Remember Howard Dean," was selected by National Public Radio for its election-week edition of the online program "Open Mic" in November. On the title track of the new CD, he tells the story of a heavy metal rocker who finds religion. It's one of his most popular live numbers, along with his groovy, cheesy rocker "Senator McCain."

"Same Old You" was created with the unlikely production team of Tom Blain (Amy Curl, Nob Hill Boys, Harmonious Wail) and guitar guru Bradley Fish, now living in Israel.

The album includes songs co-written with Eric Hester and Dale Kidd. "Same Old You" includes guest performances by Bradley Fish, Amy Curl, Doug Brown, Erin O'Brien, Andrew Nath, and Madison Area Music Award-winner Beth Kille of Clear Blue Betty.

His songs have been covered by Mark Croft, Stephen Lee Rich and Amy Curl.

Aaron Nathans is a native of New Jersey, and grew up in Bexley, Ohio. He is a journalist and lives in Madison with his wife, playwright Debra Neff Nathans.

Among his many Madison-area live shows, Nathans has appeared at Songwriters in the Round at the Casbah, Hilldale Brat Fest, and is an occasional host of the open mic at the Urban Market. He has performed in Minnesota and at Chicago's Heartland Cafe.