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!
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Started playing drums (formal lessons) in grade school thru high school.
Played in power rock trios in the early 70's (back when you could make real money)
Had to get away from the craziness, joined the US Navy and had a country and bluegrass band aboard ship.
Then after 5 years left Navy and played drums since.
Anymore I record in my home studio and enjoy every beat of it.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Played mostly avg nightclubs, played some big venues, performed overseas for people in clubs all over the Mediterranean, opened up for the US Navy's 6th Fleet Band, and played an audition between the New York Dolls 1st and 2 sets.... that was about as nervous as I've ever been. The Dolls choreography and sound engineers were amazing... a real eye opener. Not only could them cats play, but make it seem effortless all the while hitting their marks on stage for the special effects, spotlights etc... amazing.
Your musical influences
There are so many, Levon Helms, B.J. Wilson fr Procol Harum, Carl Palmer, Keltner, Nigel Olsen, Gadd...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.
What equipment do you use?
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. CuBase DAW into a seriously strong windows PC. Decent active monitors and 8 channels of headphones.
Lots of other toys.
Anything else?
1st: PROTECT YOUR EARS! 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! 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!
