Roy Nathanson, a multi-reedist based in New York, is the co-founder Jazz Passengers. He also performs with Matt Darriau’s Paradox Trio and was once part of John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards. Nathanson studied saxophone, acting, and Joe Allard with Nathanson. Nathanson has appeared in films directed by Chantal Akerman, Elaine May, and Jim Jarmusch. A feature role was also played by Nathanson in Peter Lilenthal’s children’s film Wasserman. Nathanson was a member of the Lounge Lizards in 1986. The Jazz Passengers was founded the next year by Curtis Fowlkes and Nathanson, who is the principal composer. Nathanson is also the leader of the Roy Nathanson Quartet which features the Passengers rhythm section. He has a ongoing duo project with keyboardist Anthony Coleman that has been touring throughout Europe and the U.S. Nathanson was also a sideman in the Lounge Lizards. He has also been a part of Mark Ribot’s Cosmopolitans with Charles Earland and the Shirelles. To create a work suitable for children, he was awarded two Meet the Composer grants and co-wrote the piece with the students at Queens’ school for instrumental music. The choir of third-through fifth grade students in music performed on “Dreams of Someday.” Nathanson, a five-year Annenberg Fellow at another Queens public school, has also taught private lessons, led workshops and lectured. He also created programs to teach American history through music, math, and American history. Allmusic
