Ep. 34: Nate Gregory
At the age of 13, Nate Gregory began his professional career gigging around Kansas City. After getting to play at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville that summer, Nate was hooked and set his course firmly in country music.
He is currently the lead guitarist for a local red dirt country band. However, after getting to play in four Honky Tonks on Nashville’s famous Broadway strip when he was 16, and again this spring at 17, it concreted his love of the old outlaw’s way of playing. With the likes of Willie, Waylon, Haggard & Cash, he found his place.
His parents have taken him on several trips to Nashville, where he has connected and formed friendships with several Broadway Legends such as Daniel Donato, Luke McQuery, David Graham, Slick Joe Fick, Robbie Muzic, Mike Borque, Kevin Key, Eddie Lange, Tyler Hall and others. They’ve all helped so much, opening doors he’d never have thought possible. Recently Daniel Donato connected Nate to o The Pitch Meeting and Eric Fortaleza. That night was epic and Nate was able to play on stage with some of the world’s best musicians. He’s even gotten a last minute call to travel with Tyler Halverson for a couple of shows. These connections are prized friendships and Nate has stayed humble and appreciative of each one.
After the under the guidance of Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard’s former guitarist) he’s learned so much. Not only the famous licks and sounds, but about the industry and making his way through it. He’s been lucky to have found mentor and friend in Redd. Nate has regular weekly mentoring sessions with Redd via Skype, and has also visited Redd at his home, and even played with him on stage at the Floyd Country Store. There have been some epic nights of storytelling, jamming on a ’53 Tele, and touring the guitar vault – memories of a lifetime.
Nate has brought that fire back to Kansas City, co-hosting two separate jam nights. He tries to meet everyone he can and take advice from all that are willing to share it. Continuing his hard work and hours a week spent practicing and preforming, it’s safe to safe, old country isn’t going anywhere on Nate Gregory’s watch.
