Common Threads of Texas- Episode 5

 

My name is Nate Natale and I am a music enthusiast and for as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to connect the moment with the song. Whether through setting the vibe with the right music or pairing the now with a soundtrack that fits- making those connections makes me happy. Really happy. In fact, it feels like essential work for the maintenance and growth of my soul. It also allows me to share music with others and to me that simple gesture is one of the most beautiful things we, as human beings, can do for one another. 

The Common Thread Radio Hour is the next step for me in sharing the music I love. But it’s more than that. This program is about finding connections between songs, their creators, and the world around us without sticking to traditional boundaries. That’s the beauty of the common threads that the world is made of- they cross borders, backgrounds, cultures, races, religions...you name it- and music is often the language most effective in connecting people.

If you’ve read this far, I hope you give the program a listen. I am not an expert (not even close), but I have experience!  Growing up in the time before playlists, I was a mix tape-making-machine. My first iTunes playlist was this massive collection of songs about America and her people and places that I still play every Fourth of July. At my wedding, I made the mix for our cocktail hour and for the reception, I gave the DJ a list of what songs needed to be played when (much to his chagrin). Every special meal that I cook (and I make lots of em) has the right music in the background. I love a good theme and exploring new sounds and I am so glad you found me here.

This show is inspired by Bob Dylan’s Theme Time Radio Hour and Jon Fishman’s The Errant Path- amazing programs, hosted by two all-time great musicians. This ain’t that and I am not pretending otherwise! 

This show was most influenced by the Grateful Dead’s second set on June 30, 1995. It was the summer I graduated from high school and my parents got me tickets to 5 Dead shows (what were they thinking?!?) and this was my hometown show. Right as the band was starting their second set…at like the exact same moment…rain came pouring down and they kicked into the Beatle’s “Rain”, followed by their gem “Box of Rain”, then “Samba in the Rain”, “Looks Like Rain” and then settled into the dreamy, epic journey “Terrapin Station”. It was absolutely magical and since that night, I always look for commonality, connections, and threads in the music that moves me and I hope it moves you too.