I used to go to the Gosport jazz club in Ferneham Hall, which was next to where Nat lived and there is still a giant iron trumpet next to the bench he regularly sat on dedicated to him, Nat was a regular performer at the Jazz club, I attended (with my father) Nats 90th birthday bash in Ferneham Hall and still have the ticket which was a large birthday card, I asked Nat to sign it and he did along with Beryl Bryden, she also signed a CD for me, A great guy that was much loved in Gosport
I had the honour of knowing Nat in his later years as he lived directly across from me in sheltered acommodation, I used to visit a pub called the Spindlemakers on a Friday night and in would roll a bunch of musicians, Nat amongst them, they would jam for hours, unfortunately I didn't realise how great Nat had been, but I do remember him saying that although he had lost everything, he would not change anything, a gentleman and a fine musician.
Sorry to read that he'd been reduced to that. But, it happens in life and it seems to happen to musos when time passes and they get old or music tastes change. RIP Nat. wherever you are now.
He was in sheltered accomodation in Gosport, England. My great aunt lived in the same block. One afternoon, Nat showed us his photograph album from the 30s. He had a great life and travelled to concerts all over the world - flying, when it was only the preserve of the wealthy. He told us that when musical tastes changed, he had to get a job on a car production line in the Midlands. Despite the ups and downs, he said that he had had a great life and wouldn't change anything. He was a lovely man.
I had the honour of playing trombone beside Nat in 1962/3. Unfortunately, the video had yet to be invented so there are only photos on the recordings we made with Dougie Richfords London Jazzmen. He was such a nice man,
Nat gave up trumpet playing in his later years, but still continued singing. He was a great admirer of Louis Armstrong, also his friend, and also his tribute artist before the term was invented. If I had ever met Nat, I'd have asked him to perform We Have All The Time In The World, and I'm sure he'd have managed it no bother.
I knew Nat personally, he lived contrary to all on-line and otherwise publications in sheltered acomodation not 200 yards from where I lived many years ago,
How sad Nat,s old mate from the New Georgians,Charlie Winters traveled to reunite with Nat in Southsea,coming all the way from Australia in 1988 for one last time. Nat had rarely heard from him in many decades as Charlie lost touch in Australia-I think Memory Lane magazine members and Ray Pallett were involved.
I’m apparently related to Nat gonella according to my nan. (Nans cousins uncle). I don’t know much about him but it’s a very nice listen and I appreciate the music!
I saw Nat Gonella in 1948 in the West End Cafe Edinburgh. I think his better years were pre-war as he was fairly ordinary at the latter time. His top notes were pretty inadequate and the whole bad were of a medium standard.
