"Nate Birkey, he of mysterious charisma, subtle gossamer trumpet lines and understated voice, hunches over the microphone and leans into his phrases, shutting out the world."

Josef Woodard, Los Angeles Times

Nate Birkey's quiet but intense demeanor typifies an artist restlessly pursuing the evolution of his own musical personality. As composer, trumpeter and vocalist, he imbues warmth and broiling energy into his music.

Birkey has released seven albums for the California-based Household Ink Records. With the 2008 releases of Almost Home and christmas- his first recordings made with his New York City quintet of saxophonist Sal Giorgianni, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Tony Marino and drummer Marko Marcinko - Birkey takes another step upward and outward.

Deftly mixing standards tastefully delivered, warm and imaginative originals in various genre leanings, and material from less-trodden sources - Birkey has an engaging way with a song, as a fluid improviser and vocalist of understated grace.

A Colorado native, Nate attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Seattle Pacific University, and the University of California Santa Barbara, where he remained based for many years after. An eastward move to New York City in 2005 broadened his horizons and deepened both his artistic resolve and his musical evolution.

Whether performing his own music or jazz classics, Birkey steadfastly holds his quintet together with thoughtful arrangements that instill a sense of wonder as to what's coming next.

Nate's subtle vocal and trumpet approach has often been compared to that of Chet Baker and Miles Davis respectively. A sound poised and assured, powerfully stark and spare, it creates an atmosphere at once solitary and electric.

"Certainly one of the hottest new groups on the scene is the Nate Birkey Quintet...Birkey's work on the trumpet has been honed to perfection, reflecting the influence of Miles Davis."

Bob Agnew, L.A. Jazz Scene