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Critics have included Nathan Tanouye on their list of visionary jazz talents most likely to inspire a new generation of classical jazz fans. Through the years, Nathan has played trombone alongside esteemed artists such as Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, The Temptations, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, among others. Since 1998, he has been principal trombonist in the Las Vegas Philharmonic. He’s also been featured on the famous Las Vegas Strip, playing in award-winning shows like The Producers, Hairspray, At the Copa and Storm. His inspired performances and ability to convey the essence of West Coast-style cool jazz brought the attention of Carolyn Freeman, widow of legendary jazz pianist Russ Freeman, who tapped Nathan to lead The Russ Freeman Project in 2004.
Carolyn had been searching for the perfect young musician to arrange Russ’ composition for a big band orchestra CD, and Nathan embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Crossings: The Freeman Project (Peacock 2006) is the first critically-acclaimed CD to feature the music of Russ Freeman as interpreted by Nathan and the Las Vegas Jazz Connection.
Carolyn Freeman comments, “My husband always tried to give talented, younger musicians a break in the jazz business. I’m certain Russ would applaud Nathan’s creative arrangements and performances … he captures the Freeman spirit in a brilliant new way.”
Nathan Tanouye was born in Platteville, Wisconsin in 1974. His family encouraged him to study music in elementary school, and he showed great potential for the piano and the trombone. At age 11, he moved to Hawaii and continued his musical training. At the University of Hawaii - Manoa, Nathan studied trombone with Jim Decker and Mike Becker of the Honolulu Symphony. In 1995 Nathan received a musical scholarship from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. There he completed his degrees in both classical and jazz performance.
As a composer, Tanouye has written works for various ensembles, ranging from jazz trios to concert bands. In 2004, the UNLV Wind Orchestra premiered “Three Steps Forward,” a piece written by Tanouye and later released on the Klavier label. Nathan has also proved to be a skillful arranger. In addition to his work with The Russ Freeman Project, Tanouye has created extensive arrangements for a myriad of instrumental ensembles, including 26-piece jazz orchestras, harp and flute duos and brass quintets.
Nathan is now working with the Bette Midler Show at Caesar's Palace. He is playing with the band and also has done some of the orchestral arrangements for the show. For more information, please contact The Russ Freeman Project media manager at 702-869-5451.
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