"Grand Slam Home Run!" ... "Grand Slam Home Run!" ... These were the words that William Burton Esq., founder and chairman of the world renown Burton Awards for Legal Achievement, kept repeating over and over again as Nathaniel and his band returned to the green room after their first performance at the prestigious awards gala.

The debut performance that was engulfed by anxious anticipation in light of the awards event having never before included a musical performance as part of it's program, and further magnified by the fact that the first song performed was one written to hopefully become the event's official theme song. But all doubts and fears were put to rest as the lights came down and the final notes of Nathaniel's inspiring melody echoed through the hallways of the Library of Congress, interrupted by the thunderous applause that followed from an audience that included legends in law such as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, radio host Bill Press (The Bill Press Show / MSNBC's Buchanan and Press), Senator John Cornyn, and hundreds of others!

The combination of Nathaniel's beautifully written and performed lyrics and melody, Jaclyn Casano's powerhouse voice, Richie Cannata's brilliance and virtuosity on the saxophone and the overall 'harmony' of the all-star band produced lightning in a bottle that lit up the stage and the crowd.

The green room back stage was electric, and Mr. Burton could not stop praising Nathaniel for the song, and the entire band for their performance. But the evening was far from over, and Nathaniel had one more task ahead of him. To close the awards program he would perform "The Love of a Hero," an inspirational ballad that was originally inspired by the heroics he witnessed on 9/11, and further dedicated to the men and women of our nation and throughout the world, who put themselves in harm's way every single day to keep us safe. The performance would be further punctuated by the presence of several key members of the armed forces, including an atlantic commander whose name shall be kept private.

Nathaniel and the band returned to the stage for their final performance of the evening still carrying with them the adrenaline rush from the first. The song began with just Nathaniel's vocal and solo piano, as the audience was captivated in silent awe by the tremendously moving and thought provoking lyrics. As the band joined with him the word "wow" was somberly whispered under the breath of Mr. Burton, and several other honored guests who were watching the live feed from the green room, including Jane Roberts & Judge Lee H. Rosenthal. Eventually the song reached it's climax, where Richie Cannata belted out a saxophone solo that shook the very pillars of the great hall, and Nathaniel modulated his return to the powerful chorus, as members of the audience smiled with tear filled eyes. The song ended to the sound of an even greater ovation, as audience members and honored guests stood to their feet.

Nathaniel and the band were once again greeted backstage by esteemed congratulations, as well as several voices repeating the words, "The next stop is the White House!" Judge Rosenthal offered a more personal congratulations as she said, with tears in her eyes, "Nathaniel, I want you to know that my daughter serves in the armed forces, and listening to your song gave me chills." She then requested a copy of his CD, as did several other guests who were present. 

Invited to the dinner that followed the awards gala, Nathaniel was congratulated by several members of the legal community, including, to name a few, Bill Press, Joseph Leccese (Proskaur Rose LLP), Senator John Cornyn, Virginia Wise, and also Brian L. Klock (Winner), who also personally requested a copy of his music on CD. One young soldier currently serving in the military, approached Nathaniel at dinner said ,"I just wanted you to know that your song really hit me hard, and I'm going to tell all of my boys about you and show them your music." Nathaniel immediately had the young man given a CD, and said to him, "The song only exists because of people like you, so it's me who should be doing the thanking."

As a result of the success of Nathaniel's performances, Mr. Burton told Nathaniel that he wants him and his band back next year and every year to perform at the awards ceremony, and also that he will be making it known that the song he had written and so successfully performed is now the Official Theme Song of the Burton Awards. He even mentioned that he may want to include more of Nathaniel's music in next years program, and is considering having him perform with his band for the event dinner as well. He said, "Your talent is such that it should be showcased as much as possible." 

The night could not have been more of a success and will forever stand as one of the highlights of Nathaniel's career. And hopefully the words spoken early in the evening, and repeated several times throughout the night will stand as prophetic, and the next stop for Nathaniel will truly be the white house.

*Behind the scenes footage as well as some photos and video from Nathaniel's performances at the awards event will soon be available. To receive updates make sure your signed up to Nathaniel's Fan List. 

*Also, inspired by the words of that young soldier, Nathaniel has decided to make his hit track, "The Love a Hero" available to all FREE OF CHARGE, in honor of the heroism and bravery that is also given freely.

*A link to download this FREE TRACK will be sent to Nathaniel's Fan List on July 4th of this year. So be sure to be on the list to receive it!