Recently, I received material from a recording artist that has his roots in the state of Georgia. Living in Georgia for 28 years, I had to consider this review. Upon reading his bio, then listening to his tracks, I was surprised. He speaks to Americans and the hardships many have gone through with our changing world. The album resonates with Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. You can even hear a little Robert Johnson. After hearing his harmonica, you will also hear Neil Young, a past mentor. His name is Nathan Bell, and he has a message for the middle class worker with his new album I Don’t Do This for Love, I Do This for Love.
Nathan’s album is full of topical music as listeners get a taste of the blues, bluegrass, and country gospel music. His tracks are full of quiet duets such as “Georgia 41” and “All That You Carry.” “All That You Carry” mixes well as Nathan’s harmonica shows his love for Neil. I especially like “North GA Blues” “with its fast paced bluegrass flavor. The strings are awesome such as the cello on “Good Morning Detroit,” and there is a majestic mandolin piece with “At the Bottom of Kentucky.” Nathan shows his listeners he is outstanding with his acoustic guitar in this number.
Nathan Bell has a solid album of good music. It’s well produced with plenty of musical varieties. Also, there’s a message in this album as Nathan speaks to a silent majority who are angry and frustrated with the end results today. For Nathan, he is their spokesperson communicating their thoughts and feelings. It will be interesting to see the direction Nathan will take into his next project. I’m JR Miller with High Note Reviews, and this is Nathan Bell doing this for love.