Despite the low-budget, self produced sound of these live recordings, “The Dead Leaves Sing” is without any over indulgence or ego - nothing preachy or political.  Instead, Nathan introduces listeners to his dark and brooding cast of characters, carefully painted by his lyrical brush strokes of narration and  intimate introspection in “The Reaper’s Son”, one of the few  recorded with a full band. Nathan’s vocal performance is effective as he sings “…I’m starting to see, there’s no room for me in the end”, just before his character is about meet his death. Giving him one last moment of honest humanity.  Who knew evil people could be so thoughtful? 
Speaking of death, “Season for the Crows”, performed solo… as it should be when you’re sharing a secret about how your murdered your brother. “…tonight went a little too far, when I pulled a little ‘Cain and Able’ on his skull with a Mason jar”.
Nathan isn’t taking his subject matter seriously, and it obvious with his playful scat singing during the “Crows” chorus.

But not all of “The Deal Leaves Sing” is as shockingly dark. 

This collection of 11, cohesively themed tunes of life’s untimely end,  debuts a distinctly unique musical force with raw but brilliant composition and arrangements,  providing his listeners a rich and colorful image from moment to moment as he sings you his sometimes cinematic tales - a feat which very few artists can accomplish.  Nathan’s “Dead Leaves”  is a real treat from beginning to end.
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The combination of Nathan Wade's voice and bluesy guitar is perfect. You've got to hear his music! Be sure to check out his song, "Suicidal Revival."
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Nathan Wade can definitely play the guitar and sing with a lot of emotion AND talent. The songs seem to be a cross between blues, country music, and folk. What's cool about this album is that the music really jams but the lyrics are pretty dark. I'm a big fan of that style. While the whole album is pretty good, there's a few real gems on this album. In particular, I really liked 'Dead Leaves', 'Skoal Bandits', and especially 'Sweat Through.
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As with so many of our local blues artists, Nathan Wade defies categorization. Is it blues? Is it folk? How about: it's just darn fine music...I find Nathan to be a talented singer, an accomplished guitarist, and an extraordinary songwriter. I particularly enjoyed the delta bluesy sound of "Sweat Through."  Remember his name and look for him; catch a show. You'll be glad you did!
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