Nate Myers, IV

After years of sharing the stage with, touring and opening for some of the biggest R&B and gospel artists in the world, the multi-talented composer and performer takes control of his artistry and musical destiny with the release of a full length album whose title reflects the drive of his longtime creative mission: Soul Essentials. The collection will include the sensual, ultra-romantic ballad “Pillow Talk,” which Myers released earlier as a digital single.

Myers’ unique background includes being raised a “military brat” who lived everywhere from Germany (where he started playing sax at age 12) to Korea and Mexico. He was also the son of two preachers, and cut his teeth playing sax in church, usually one note per song as he learned to master his horn. He considers music his divine purpose, and his decision to pursue a solo career (several years after leaving the 9 to 5 day job grind) an important step in his journey. 

ON STAGE 

During his college years at South Carolina State University, where he majored in Music Education, he laid the foundation for his professional career playing at churches, weddings, jazz clubs, banquets, concerts and private events. Over the years, he has shared the stage with gospel artists Allen & Allen, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary, among others. He has toured with Grammy nominated artist Calvin Richardson and has opened for Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Kim Burrell, Tamela Mann and many more. As a solo artist, Myers – a self-professed “big fan of getting the crowd involved” – performs regularly for passengers in piano bars and concourses at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. Other regional venues include The Royal Peacock in Atlanta and Wind Creek Casino in Montgomery. 

In 2016, the owner of The Royal Peacock, a native of the African country Eritrea, invited him to perform at their Jubilee Music Extravaganza Tour. He played for thousands of people as part of the first American band to ever perform there, in addition to solo shows at other venues. Myers has also traveled internationally with the party band “Jessie’s Girls,” and regionally with The Main Attraction Band, playing a mix of countryock, rap and R&B. “I like to say that if you can play gospel, you can play anything, and my church background has definitely been a blessing to me,” Myers says. 

MUSIC 

Myers created the music on Soul Essentials with the core members of his band, which has been together for over five years: bassist David Chisholm, drummer Loron Brown and keyboardists Maurice Fisher and Dainavon Tuzo. All of them are heavy hitters with major all-star resumes. One of Myers’ favorite tracks is the D’Angelo flavored neo-soul tune “Wake Up,” which began as an impromptu jam before he developed its infectious melody and groove. The message is telling everyone to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on in the world, and go deeper inside to discover your full potential. “Pyramids” is a richly percussive, Afro-centric, horn section fired tune featuring Chisholm on percussion and congas; it was inspired by Myers’ trip to Egypt while on tour in Eritrea. The title track “Soul Essentials” is dedicated to the saxophonist’s wife and children. 

FROM THE BEGINNING 

Although he was born in Columbus, GA and grew up mostly in the U.S., Myers’ first experience playing sax was in his middle school band class in Weisbaden, Germany, where his father was stationed. While honing his talents in church, he became active in his high school marching and concert bands. The summer after his freshman year, he spent every day practicing along with any CD he could get his hands on. He credits his playing and phrasing style to a mixture of influences, ranging from contemporary jazz sax greats Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Boney James to neo-soul vocal artists Musiq Soulchild and Floetry and gospel legend Fred Hammond. During his years at SCSU, he was part of the Marching 101 band. One of his most memorable performances was when he was chosen to play the National Anthem in front of thousands of football fans. He later attended Fort Valley State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.