“All music gives voice to somebody. The Blues gave voice to an entire oppressed and abused society. Rock and Roll gave young people a place in the worldthat wasn’t just the workplace.”

The Right Reverend Crow (aka Nathan Bell): Demokracy Blues

Demokracy Blues, the plugged in and fired up new album by The Right Reverend Crow (aka Nathan Bell), which is scheduled for release on April 24 (2026) on Need to Know Music. The Right Reverend Crow made his first appearance during the recording sessions for critically acclaimed American songwriter Nathan Bell’s 2021 study of modern American life, Red, White and American Blues. More than just an alter-ego or stage name, The Reverend represents Bell’s offering to the Blues that have nourished him from the first days of his musical career, 50 plus years ago. The son of the late American Poet, Marvin Bell, The Reverend (Bell) is poetic, and his words hit hard and real. Five years on songwriter Nathan Bell reconvened the rhythm section of Frank Swart and Alvino Bennett at the Skunkworks Studio in Capitola, California. Part way through the marathon session that would generate 28 songs, Swart and executive producer Brian Brinkerhoff suggested that Bell pick up the electric guitar for a couple of the more bluesy numbers. 

(Nathan Bell / Photo by Adam Ansel — Album cover by Milton 510 Bowens)

Starting with the dead thumb blues of the scathing ‘You Say Nothing’ and ending with the crushing spoken word assault of ‘A Woman’, the long overdue answer song to Free’s ‘Alright Now’, the trio created a muscular soul/blues mix that proved the perfect vehicle for Bell’s anti-fascist, pro-justice songs. Knowing they had a good thing going, they let the tape roll until they had captured a total of 13 brutally honest and urgently relevant songs. Album cover by Milton 510 Bowens, which incorporates part of a line from Marvin Bell’s poem ‘More About the Dead Man and Government (#14)’: There is hope, there is still hope, there is always hope.

Interview by Michael Limnios     Special Thanks: Geraint & Deb Jones (G Promo PR)

How has the music and literature influenced your views of the world? 

I grew up in Iowa City, IA where my father, the late American Poet, Marvin Bell, taught at the legendary Iowa Writer’s Workshop. I was surrounded by brilliant writers, many of them writing as witnesses to the government crimes of the 60’s and 70’s. My view of the world has always been that you will be happier if you distrust anybody who says they know how you should live.

What moment changed your life the most?

Watching television as a very young boy and seeing the Vietnam War dead returning to the USA in flag draped coffins.

Is there a message you are trying to convey with your music and songs? 

There is no message, only stories of true things. But I would hope in singing about true things that I am telling the listener that their life is important.

Where does your creative drive come from?

I don’t know. But I know that I like to do something new every chance I get.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past?

Most people being able to play live without computers.

What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

My hope- That we (all of us) will pull back from the technology black hole before it is too late. Fear- That craven greed will win.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications?

Music is everywhere. It is always a reflection of who we are. Right now, most music is machine music and is missing the human component. What could reflect our current mess better?

How do you want the music to affect people? 

Music changes lives. Always. That’s enough responsibility.

“I grew up in Iowa City, IA where my father, the late American Poet, Marvin Bell, taught at the legendary Iowa Writer’s Workshop. I was surrounded by brilliant writers, many of them writing as witnesses to the government crimes of the 60’s and 70’s. My view of the world has always been that you will be happier if you distrust anybody who says they know how you should live.” (Nathan Bell, has been flying under the radar for more than 40 years / Photo-Video Still by Jake Lutsko)

What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society?

There are many roles, but the one I prefer is to always be the truthteller.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I have learned that I can only do what I do. If anybody finds me, then I am luckier than most.

What keeps a musician passionate and activist in social justice over the years? 

I can only speak for me, but there is always a new story to tell, even if it’s the old story told again. As the Who sang, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”

How did the blues and Rock counterculture shape literature and poetry?

All music gives voice to somebody. The Blues gave voice to an entire oppressed and abused society. Rock and Roll gave young people a place in the worldthat wasn’t just the workplace.

What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments and pieces in your work and/or career?

I think this question would better be answered by others. I consider every song I write equal.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I don’t know how to define relevancy. I know all music is relevant to somebody but that’s for the listener and can’t be created. I hope my music is relevant to somebody.

The Right Reverend Crow - Home      Nathan Bell - Home

(Nathan Bell / Photo by Walter Wouters)