He is, according to music journalist Sam Pert, Mr Bombastic. That’s the term Pert used to describe Nicky Bomba when he interviewed the Maltese-Australian artist for international music magazine Drummer in 2010.
Just give the man a pair of sticks and he’ll turn anything into a percussive instrument
It is, of course, just wordplay on the artist’s stage name – given to him by roadies when he first embarked on a musical career as a 14-year-old – because, as anyone who knows Bomba will agree, there’s not an ounce of pomposity or pretentiousness in his body.
Quite the contrary in fact, he is an affable, down-to-earth (and very talented) guy who makes you feel you’ve known him forever from the minute you meet him, and if you’ve got a traditional Maltese recipe to share with him, all the better.
Something of a musical dynamo – he balances a solo career with his role as founder and driving force behind the Melbourne Ska Orchestra as well as being the drummer for both the John Butler Trio and Bustamento and fronting his own Bomba band (the list goes on) – Bomba is one of those musicians who truly lives and breathes music day in, day out.
He genuinely represents music’s universality in the fact that there’s no genre he hasn’t touched – from rock, Ska and reggae to Calypso, Mento, dub and world music.
And when he’s not touring with one of the many bands or projects he’s involved in, he often finds time to visit Malta, the country he left behind as a toddler when his family emigrated to Australia. Despite being raised in Australia, Bomba’s passion for all things Maltese remains intact.
On his last visit here, he captivated the crowds at Earth Garden with his amazing percussive displays, transforming bits of recycled material into a creative source of colourful rhythms, and slipping in some extra spice when he joined Tribali on the main stage.
Just give the man a pair of sticks and he’ll turn anything into a percussive instrument; those who were present at his Muddy Waters gig in 2010 will know exactly what I mean.
If you weren’t lucky enough to be there, take solace in the fact that you have another chance to catch Bomba in action as he’ll be performing live (with a little help from many special guests) at the second edition of The Gathering at Zion’s Yard in Marsascala next Sunday.
Interview with Nicky Bomba
What did it feel like being prominently featured in a reputable music industry magazine like Drummer?
It was a real honour. I think any musician who has a feature written on them after being endorsed by drum, cymbal and stick companies has to be pleased with that achievement, especially because I used to read these magazines when I was young, so it’s quite a thrill.
What’s been happening in the year since your last visit to Malta?
In a nutshell, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra which I conduct has been playing at some huge major festivals, I’ve just released a new album with my Calypso band Bustamento, which was lots of fun to make.
I also did more touring with the John Butler Trio and have been writing heaps of new stuff…oh, and I’ve also been learning to cook with a taġen (frying pan)!
Further to your 2009 debut solo album Planet Juice, is there any update on your next solo record?
Not really, as in recent months my main focus from a writing perspective was for Bustamento. I immersed myself in that world, studying it more and writing a whole swag of songs for the album we’ve just released.
Meanwhile, the Highgrade single off Planet Juice has been quite successful and proved to be a hit on the dancefloor as well as provoking a fair amount of social comment on the marijuana issue too.
Last time you were here, you mentioned you wanted to develop the Melbourne Ska Orchestra into a more regular thing; will we ever get to see it in Malta?
I’m very pleased to tell you this big Ska ‘ship’ has reached a new level. We’ve just signed a recording contract to make our debut album and we also gave some powerful performances at Womadelaide and Bluesfest. The orchestra is a lot tighter than it used to be and the show has really lifted to a new level.
I’d love to take the orchestra overseas and I’m currently in talks with the Australia Council to find ways to make this happen.
And there’s also the Bustamento album to promote…
True. In fact, when I get back to Australia from Malta I’ll be hopping straight on to a two-month tour of Australia to promote the album.
We’ll also be playing in Vanuatu, which I see as a kind of sister island to Malta in the Pacific Ocean.
You’re known for your vibrant spontaneity when you perform live. What should we expect from your performance at The Gathering?
The Gathering, in its essence, is about creating a community of brothers and sisters celebrating life and good music. I want to raise the vibrations even higher than last year so everyone can fly home and save petrol...
I know you’re well into Maltese cuisine. What’s your favourite Maltese dish?
I’m well into Maltese food and without a doubt fenek (rabbit) is my favourite. No one cooks rabbit like the Maltese. It’s consistently tasty!
Tickets for next Sunday’s The Gathering cost €8 (€10 at the door) and are available from Zion Bar (Marsascala), Colcci (Bay Street), DDD Gift Shop (Paceville), Bali Stuff (Naxxar), Expressions (Sliema), Gochi (St Julian’s), Yoanna Boutique (Gżira), 4 Angels (Gżira) or by calling 7994 8529. For more information, look up the Facebook event.
www.nickybomba.com
bugeja.michael@gmail.com