Biography

A talented, committed musician in his youth, Adrian Nation describes his first compositions as "the ramblings of a searching teenager". He may ramble less these days, but his search continues, and he has evolved into one of the most insightful and incisive songwriters of his generation.

Influenced at an early age by the genius of Bob Dylan and the melodic fluidity of Mark Knopfler's haunting guitar, Adrian's teenage eyes and ears were truly opened when the late Isaac Guillory "played the guitar like I had never seen" ("Diamonds in the Stream", Sowing Seeds, 2003). Reflecting on this experience Adrian says, "Suddenly the acoustic guitar was a much bigger instrument than I ever thought it could be. My mind was set."

In 1998, Adrian and accomplished guitarist Tim Whitnell, formed "Six Feet Above". The duo produced one album, "Tide's Up", from which "Waiting Game" attracted generous airplay in Europe and America. It seems that Adrian had a taste and he wanted more.

Whilst absorbing the prodigious output of Canada's Bruce Cockburn ("Songs of intense poetry, with meaning and arrow-like purpose, wonderfully crafted, not a word wasted") Adrian took to playing and composition with a renewed intensity.

With near perfect clarity, Adrian reminds us of the complexity of the human condition and the fragility of relationships in "Holding Back" from the "Sowing Seeds" album: "Holding back 'cause I don't want to hurt you, I can't always say what I mean". At this point, it's virtually guaranteed that those of us who know this song don't speak the words, we sing them! And therein lies the secret – carefully chosen words, married with melodies so rich that they ease their way into the subconscious, where they remain as gentle reminders that we are, in fact, "only human." Economical where necessary, luxuriously textured when required. Enough to do the job.

This surely accounts for Adrian's wide appeal. Indeed, it may be the 'semi-confessional nature' of some of the songs that is the key to his popularity: "a smile replaced the mask that I'd been wearing far too long" ("Hold Your Light High", Sowing Seeds, 2003).

Whilst striving to write 'the songs' Adrian set about building an instrument on which to deliver them. Working in collaboration with accomplished guitar maker Phil Vigor, Adrian built his own acoustic, which incidentally, is the main guitar he uses on "Sowing Seeds". Released on Adrian's own label, Laburnum Bridge, "Sowing Seeds" made an immediate impact and marked a turning point in Adrian's now solo career. Self effacing as ever, he said, "It gave me real hope that I had the ability to write songs that had a purpose and meaning, that I would be proud to perform".

"Sowing Seeds" is clearly more than the sum of its parts; each song has a life of its own. The targets are many and varied and Adrian seems to hit most of them fairly and squarely. From the Guillory inspired tribute to the grand poetic 'wordscape' of "The Coming of the Day" via the gentle, evocative tones of "No Question", the listener is left in no doubt whatsoever that he is in the company of an exceptional artist with the ability to write songs so universally engaging that they at once sound 'other worldly, yet strangely familiar.

Adrian's hectic touring schedule is testament to his popularity and quite exceptional guitar playing. The ceaseless cycle of touring and playing has continued unabated since the release of "Sowing Seeds" and has established him as a stalwart of the festival, folk and acoustic scene. It therefore beggars belief that the follow up to "Sowing Seeds" has been written, recorded and is now in post production.

Second album syndrome? Not likely! An ambitious work by any standards, Adrian has enlisted Chris West to produce the follow-up, "Fall or Fly". Chris's recent credits include Richard Ashcroft's platinum-selling "Keys to the World". Referring to the project Chris West said, "It's not often you discover an artist that has the three S's for success: Songs, Singing and Serious Musicianship. Once you let yourself be charmed by his music, you are hooked."

The sheer quality of the contributors speaks volumes: Gerry Conway – drums (Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens and Fairport Convention), Brad Lang – bass (Ray Charles, Robbie Wiliams, Elkie Brooks, Barbara Dickson amongst many), Colin Linden – guitar (celebrated producer of Bruce Cockburn, in-demand Nashville based session player) and Troy Donockley – low whistles & Uillean Pipes (internationally renowned player with Midge Ure, Barbara Dickson and Status Quo).

Amongst those fortunate enough to hear the album during production, Mike Paxman (Judie Tzuke's writing partner and Status Quo producer) exudes "As soon as you hear the first few bars of 'Don't Turn Away' you are aware that you are in the company of a great songwriter."
At this point, it makes sense to reflect on "the ramblings of a searching teenager" who hoped that he "had the ability to write songs that had a purpose and meaning." Prophetic? Maybe, but Mike Paxman goes further: "For me, the beautiful and evocative 'Song to Maria' is one of the best songs I've heard in years."

Pivotal to all of this however, is the sublime guitar and voice of Adrian Nation. He is the central pillar around which these performances sit, and the songs are the very foundations upon which the superb "Fall or Fly" stands.

The wait is almost over.