Nicky Bomba

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Nicholas Caruana

Nicky Bomba's poster for The Gathering, Marsaskala June 2012

know as "Nicky Bomba"(born 7 September 1963, Malta) is an Australian musician and singer of Maltese descent. He is the frontman of his band Bomba as well as the drummer and percussionist of John Butler Trio, Bustamento and the conductor of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Nicky's family, who are from Marsaskala and Paola, migrated from Malta to Australia late 1964. He started learning drums when he was six years old.

Music - the early years

In 1978, Nicky formed a cover band with his brother, Michael Caruana, called Fugitive Flight. In 1982, Fugitive Flight became a band playing original music with vocalist, Peter Miller, bassist, Steve Morgan (later of Icehouse), and guitarist, Peter Weeda. They soon changed their name to Guided Tour. After a considerable hiatus working in a variety of known and unknown bands, Nicky formed The Truth in 1993, with Michael Caruana (keyboards), Tony Kopa (vocals) and Geoff Wells (guitars). The Truth released a self-titled album in 1995, and in 1997 added bass player Mick Girasole for the release of a second album, Headspace with the band re-branded as Truth. Truth broke up in late 1997.

In 1998 Nicky formed a new band, Banana Oil, with Tim Neal (keyboards), Andy Baylor (guitar) and David Williamson (saxophone), releasing an album, Guavo Lampo.

In 1999 he formed Bomba with Paul Coyle (trumpet, trombone), Dorian West (bass), Pete Mitchell (saxophone, guitar), George Servanis (drums) and his brother Michael (keyboards). Bomba has released four albums.

In 2000 Bomba together with Joe Camilleri set up Transmitter Records.

Recent musical ventures

In 2003 he joined his brother in law John Butler, together with Shannon Birchall as part of the John Butler Trio to record the group's 2004 album, Sunrise Over Sea. After recording the album he re-joined his band, Bomba.

2006 saw Bomba and Camilleri release Limestone, an album of covers and original music.

He recorded an album of Maltese songs, Nicol Caruana, in 2007 with his 70 year old father, Nicol Caruana. This was followed in 2008 by his first solo release an EP, Jah In the Moment, which he then toured with a trio around Australia. In 2009 he released, Planet Juice, his first solo album, on which he played drums, guitar, ukele and marimba.

In 2009 he re-joined the John Butler Trio with Byron Luiters on bass, recording the group's fifth studio album, April Uprising. In 2010 Bomba toured with the John Butler Trio, promoting the album.

Nicky is the front man for the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Bustamento.

Nicky Bomba's sister, Danielle Caruana is the artist known as Mama Kin, whose husband is John Butler. His brother Michael Caruana plays in Mama Kin and Bomba as well as Bustamento and the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

Nicky received the highly prestigious Music Fellowship Award from Australia Council. He is the Artistic Producer for the Multicultural Arts Victoria 'Visible' Project and has a discography of over a dozen albums and has been a composer/performer on many more.

Discography

  • Joe Camilleri/Nicky Bomba - Limestone - Transmitter/MGM (2005)
  • Nicky Bomba & Laroz Haim - Bomba vs. Laroz - Mushroom (2 September 2006)
  • Nicky Bomba & Nicol Caruana - Nicol Caruana (2007)
  • Dereb Desalegn & Nicky Bomba - Drums and Lions - Transmitter/MGM (4 November 2006)
  • Solo - Jah In the Moment - MGM (5 July 2008)
  • Planet Juice - Bomba Music/Mushroom (19 May 2009)


External Links


See also

Category:Nicky Bomba Photos