An impressive 12-string guitar player and songwriter, San Francisco's Matt Nathanson has built up a loyal fan base through extensive touring. His live shows are stripped-down affairs, usually with just Nathanson and cellist Matt Fish on-stage, and are half music, half standup comedy, with the humor balancing out the frequently despondent introspection of the songs. Nathanson has released four independent albums, Please (1993), Ernst (1997), Not Colored Too Perfect (1998), and Still Waiting for Spring (1999), as well as an EP, When Everything Meant Everything (2002). His major-label debut, Beneath These Fireworks, was released by Universal Records in 2003, and was produced by Ron Aiello. Nathanson's songs have been featured on several television shows, including Dawson's Creek, Smallville, and Road Rules. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide