Nick Lombardi

Lifelong drummer and musician originally from the little town of Maynard outside of the Boston Hub

Instruments:

Drums/percussion

Guitar (somewhat

Bass (somewhat)

Vocals (somewhat)

Stopped playing live gigs to set up and record in my studio in Navarre, Fl.

Not opposed to and enjoyed live venues, but its not my thing anymore.

I will play benefits for certain causes, but only gonna haul drumstix, some skill and of course my wife!

Started playing drums (formal lessons) in grade school into high school. I had a great teacher 'George Rubinstein' and we connected well and I learned a lot from him. Not just rudiments but how to play in the music industry. What a great man.

I played in power rock trios in the early 70's (back when you could make real money).

But figured I needed to get away from the craziness, as we hit hard and quick. I was younger then the other players and it was difficult being underage in the clubs etc...

So I stopped and joined the US Navy. I feel it was a fair choice as I was underway on the planet in the blue water for 4.5 of my 5 year enlistment. I worked the flight deck as a crew member but in spare time was part of a country and bluegrass band aboard ship. What a great time. The Captain was a big fan of our band so we would be flown off the ship to many countries to play music for them thru the ships special services department and the ports counsel et general.

Then after 5 years I left Navy and have played drums since.

Anymore I defer from the live venue apart of it and record in my home studio and really enjoy every beat of it.

Played mostly avg nightclubs, played some big venues, performed overseas for people in clubs all over the Mediterranean. Our ships country/Bluegrass band opened up for the US Navy's 6th Fleet Band. It was a huge July 4th celebration of all the forces globally and what a time it was. As a civilian our band played an audition for 'our manager to be' between the New York Dolls 1st and 2 sets in a large venue.... that was about as nervous as I've ever been. The Dolls choreography and sound engineers were amazing, very nice to us... and it was a real eye opener. Not only could them cats play, but could make it seem effortless all the while hitting their marks on stage for the special effects, spotlights etc... amazing.

Most everyone I played with had something wonderful about themselves. One night we were having a real struggle getting connected to the people in the club... a guitar player from Chicago with us told me, "Don't worry about it, there a few ppl at the bar loving it, play for them and then things will get better'... he was correct. Our lineup relaxed, we gelled and the club came alive. Always try and remember to play as a band, no one person can save a show... everyone has a part in it and stay united and your magic will surface. Do not try and force the music.

There are so many, Levon Helms, B.J. Wilson fr Procol Harum, Carl Palmer, Keltner, Nigel Olsen, Gadd...there are so many that will come after us too... the list just goes on forever. What I've learned is to always try and take something that you watched someone do that is really good; something another musician had done that impressed you, and save it in your toolbox. Many times when watching local live musicians some may struggle with certain aspects of the playing and performance, but they will also surely have good points in their performance, so find the good chops and save em. It may just be a crash cymbal or tom fill, but if they do it well... save it in your memory. And remember...'they are out there performing and working hard' so be appreciative of them. Everybody starts their journey someplace in the mix.

Pearl Drum-kit... Has been converted to electronics and does well. Its not Roland performance but records well. All Zildjian brass from mostly the 60's, and one cherished 202 Paiste ride.

Various acoustic, electric and bass guitars. ( I have my dear older brothers original 1967 Fender Mustang & hard-shell case) and it chugs along just like its supposed to... it is a special honor to have it. His lovely wife sent it to me after he passed on and graduated to the thereafter.

I use a Cu-base DAW into a seriously strong windows PC. Decent active monitors and 8 channels of headphones.

Lots of other toys.

1st: PROTECT YOUR EARS!

Plus: My drum instructor once told me...(and I feel weird repeating it, but it rang true for me) he said " if you can't do something while straight, getting high ain't gonna help. But if you can do it when straight, a little weed can likely make it better"... sorry to throw that in there, but it's worked for me.

2nd: PROTECT YOUR EARS!

Plus: be sure to 'share' the stage respectfully with other musicians while playing. Everyone needs to play complimentary with each other for the true 'majik' to flow. when the band is together it translates to the audience.

3: PROTECT your EARS!!!

and always be learning!

peace, sweet music...