Nathan Bowles (Setting, Nathan Bowles Trio, Black Twig Pickers, Pelt) is a multi-instrumentalist musician and teacher living in Durham, North Carolina. His work, both as an accomplished solo artist and as a sought-after ensemble player, explores the rugged country between the poles of Appalachian old-time traditions and ecstatic, minimalist drone. Although his recordings (including his newest solo release Seven Lefts) prominently feature his idiosyncratic approach to clawhammer banjo, Bowles is also widely recognized as a versatile, deep-in-the-pocket drummer; while he considers himself first and foremost a percussionist, banjo remains a natural extension of his percussive practice. His recent solo sets incorporate a mix of original and traditional banjo material with homemade-tape-loop/keyboard accompaniment.