| Nicky Bomba | |
|---|---|
Nicky Bomba on 11 May 2007 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nicholas Caruana |
| Born | 7 September 1963 |
| Origin | Malta |
| Genres | Reggae, Funk, Roots Music |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | drums, percussion, Guitar |
| Associated acts | The Truth Bomba John Butler Trio |
Nicholas Caruana aka Nicky Bomba[1] (born 7 September 1963, Malta) is an Australian musician and singer. He is the frontman of his band Bomba as well as the drummer and percussionist of John Butler Trio and has also performed with several other artists. He is also a solo artist.[2]
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Bomba's family migrated to Australia late 1964. He started learning drums when he was six years old.
In 1978 he formed a cover band with his brother, Michael, 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 a 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 he 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.
In 2003 he joined 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, prompting the album.
Nicky Bomba's sister, Daniella Caruana is the artist Mama Kin, whose husband is John Butler. His brother Michael Caruana plays in Mama Kin and Bomba.