WILL NATHMAN – HORIZONS
Washington, D.C.-based saxophonist and composer Will Nathman makes his recording debut with Horizons, an eight-track collection of original music that brings contemporary jazz into conversation with electronic music, indie rock, hip hop, and the sounds that have shaped him beyond jazz.
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Nathman grew up in a musical family before studying at the University of North Texas, where he performed in the renowned One O’Clock Lab Band and shared the stage with artists including Christian McBride, Kenny Werner, Ari Hoenig, Chris Potter, Gary Smulyan, Maria Schneider, and Melissa Aldana. He later completed his graduate studies at California State University, Long Beach, studying with saxophonist Sal Lozano. After performing with the U.S. Air Force Academy Band in Colorado Springs from 2022–2025, Nathman moved to Washington, D.C., where he now holds the first tenor chair with the Airmen of Note.
On Horizons, Nathman is joined by Jonathan Powell on EVI, Joey Glassman on vibes and synths, Mike Evangelista on bass, and Tim Stombaugh on drums. The expanded instrumental palette gives the group room to move between acoustic improvisation and electronic textures, including the breakbeat and drum-and-bass influences that surface throughout the record.
The album grew organically from music Nathman had written over several years. As the pieces came together, he began to hear a larger narrative emerge: being thrust into conflict, confronting adversity, finding new footing, and ultimately moving forward with a broader perspective. That arc became the meaning behind Horizons; the idea that pushing through uncertainty can reveal possibilities that were previously out of view.
For Nathman, the album also marks a creative turning point. Rather than simply emulating the musicians and music that shaped him, Horizons finds him beginning to interpret those influences in a language increasingly his own; music built to surprise, inspire, and leave behind a melody, groove, or phrase that stays with the listener.
All compositions by Will Nathman
Recorded September 19–20, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Recording and mixing by Gabe Petkaitis
Mastering by Michael MacDonald
Artwork design by Shawn Williams / Two Worlds Graphics
Published by Will Nathman Music (ASCAP)
TRACKS
- Hold Fast
- Not Knowing
- Intuition
- Mantra
- Interlude
- Horizons
- Tribute
- Down the Ridge
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