Bay Area guitarist extraordinaire Nat “Tiger” Bailey’s resume reads like a “who’s who” of entertainers of the past 20 years. Frankie Paul. Duke Ellington Orchestra. Omar Hakim. Tonya Pinkins. The Drifters. Mongo Santa Maria Orchestra. Laura Hill. Toots and the Mayals. Bo Didley, Jr. Sam and Dave. Quincy Jones. He’s an accomplished guitarist, instructor, publisher, songwriter and producer. He is the owner and founder of Tiger Bailey Music, a Bay Area Artist & Representation production and consultation firm. Bay Area Beat interviewed this extremely talented performer in-between sets during a jazz/fusion performance at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa in Safety Harbor.

Bay Area Beat: Could you tell me about your early life?

Nat Bailey: I was born in Birmingham, England about 200 miles from London. Both my parents are Jamaican. My  grandparent’s are Panamanian, Cuban and Indian.

You then moved to New York. What made you come to Florida?

Yes, my family moved to New York when I was 13. I moved to Florida some years later  because I was really getting burned out on the New York music scene. I previously   visited Florida during a tour and fell in love with the warm weather.

At age 17, you played with the original Drifters?

Yes, indeed. I was rehearsing with my “Savior Faire” when Charlie Thomas and Johnny Moore ‘barged’ into our rehearsal space and asked if I would go on tour to play guitar and be the band director. I also did a few recording projects with Charlie Thomas and his son.

What made you get into music? Was your family very musical? 

My late father, Arthur Bailey, also known as “Clyde,” was a big influence. He was a professional vocalist. He and his band opened for “The Rolling Stones” in the mid sixties, and later performed before the Queen of England. He recorded a top 40’s hit titled “Little Gloria”. He was also good friends with George Fame and the Flames.

What is your main instrument? Do you play any others? My main instrument is the Guitar. I am a trained vocalist, but never took singing seriously. I also play keyboards and bass.

Your bio lists an extensive list of who’s who…Who was the most fun to play with and why? Most fun…?

That’s a tough one. Each project had its own challenges and highlights. I just love music, as long as it sounds good and feels good.

Who gave you the nickname “Tiger”?

My nickname was given to me by my karate instructor; I think I was around 14.

What is your favorite genre of music to play and Why?

Favorite genre..? That’s another tough one. I would probably opt for, say, Blues, Jazz, and Rock blended. That’s what I like.

Describe the current Bay Area Music Scene. Could it improve?

The music scene here seems to be under a state of depression, especially coming from a “music state” such New York. It seems the musicians, bands, and singers are not respected by venues and their audiences. The concept of professional musicianship has been down played. I think it will improve as the trend for more “live” music increases. I am slowly seeing this increased demand for live performers.

Do you do this full-time or do you have another day job/career?

I have my hands in a little bit of everything, including playing music and running my own production company, Tiger Bailey Music, LLC.

Do you think popular music is too “processed” ?

 Music, in general, has become over processed, partly as a result of the advent of technological advances. I believe listeners are less enthusiastic and interested in authentic music. For instance, “real” jazz, “real” R&B, or progressive rock, is seriously watered-down these days, therefore void of true musical roots.

How often do you play out?

Well, I play and perform almost every weekend. When I am not playing on stage, I’m in the studio recording, writing or producing.

Do you have any releases?

My CD releases include, “Blues For Nat” and “ Sunrise In Paradise,” both are available found on itunes. I also produced the singles “I Like It Like That“, and “Get Your Game Up,” for other artists; these songs can be heard on my website, www.tigerbailey.com

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank you and Bay Area Beat for allowing me this interview, and for the opportunity be heard and to share my story. More “live” shows and tours are definitely planned for the near future. So stay tuned!

Nat "Tiger" Bailey