With their much-anticipated second album, “Hang On for the Ride,” the dynamic cello- guitar duo of Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt push the boundaries of folk music with a creative, adventurous, and wildly enjoyable new work.
Their previous album, “Crooked Fiddle,” was a surprise favorite among folk music fans. The album fused nostalgia, emotion and musical virtuosity, alongside songs that got stuck in your head in the best way. Most importantly, the music was authentic -- sparse, brilliant and honest.
But for two artists who believe in challenging themselves, making the same album twice was out of the question. For a follow-up project, they would channel the immediacy of their live shows, which are always exciting events. They would push themselves musically, with complex orchestral arrangements that sound deceptively simple.
And in keeping with their commitment to honesty, the music would reflect the challenging times during which it was made. The recording of this project paused last summer when Michael’s father and namesake, the great Michael J. Ronstadt, died.
The resulting album is a portrait of contrasts, darkness and light: young love, ghostly photographs of old friends long gone, and the urge to run away to find peace and safety. Nathans & Ronstadt venture into lyrical corners other songwriters would never dare: peanut allergies, or climate change rendered as a hallucinogenic carousel ride. The Queen classic “Another One Bites the Dust” is recast as a jazzy murder ballad.
The title track talks of hanging on through tough times. And the leadoff song, by the elder Ronstadt, is a vision of making one’s way through the snowy North, as seen through sun-kissed Southwestern eyes.
Michael, who hails from his famous Arizona family, now lives in Cincinnati, where he is a sought-after cello teacher and mentor. He is also a member of the Ronstadt Brothers (formerly Ronstadt Generations) and Serenity Fisher & The Cardboard Hearts, and also works with Craig Bickhardt and David Trotta. Aaron lives with his family in greater Philly. He also performs solo and, along with Avi Wisnia, founded and leads the Philly Songwriters Circle, a song critique group. He has been a Kerrville New Folk finalist.
Nathans & Ronstadt were named Best of Philly Folk Fest by Philly CityPaper in 2015. Michael Tearson of SingOut! Magazine wrote of “Crooked Fiddle”: “This is an engaging, warm and intimate collaboration between songwriter Aaron Nathans and songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist Michael G. Ronstadt... Throughout the songs are stirring and they leave you thinking. A thoroughly satisfying and stimulating effort.”
http://nathansandronstadt.com
It isn’t writing the theme song “Don’t Bet The Farm” that Skip Denenberg remembers most about Farm Aid. Nor is it playing the song for over 5000 people with Willie Nelson and the band backing him up, nor being described by Willie as one of his favorite new songwriters, nor even sharing the stage with his heroes Steve Earle, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson. The most memorable moment for Skip came after the show when the caterer approached him backstage to tell him how much Skip’s songwriting had touched him, and he just had to come back and tell him so.
This is the magic of Skip and his music -- honest, powerful songs that brush against the elusive common nerve that every songwriter seeks to tap. Skip’s music has a distinct American feel that seems instantly familiar and comfortable. As a film and television composer, Skip has scored programs and promos ranging from Sesame Street to Olympic Highlight reels, and was a contributing writer for the 2012 Grammy winning Best Children’s Album, along with being nominated for 7 Mid-Atlantic Emmys.
He has shared stages with such artists as Willie Nelson, Donovan, John Oates, Warren Zevon, Richie Havens, Steve Earle, Dar Williams, Al Kooper, Steve Forbert, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ron Sexsmith, the Saw Doctors, The Neville Brothers, and many others.
Praised by artist Peter Himmelman as “an organic songwriter of the finest caliber” and by music critic, Chris Smith as “proof that there is hope for the American song", Skip is earning a loyal following everywhere he plays, one fan at a time.
http://skipdenenberg.com/