It all started at the age of eight with a ukulele, song books from Hank Williams and John Denver, and the incredible patience
of a family member. He was then introduced to the open sound of the acoustic guitar. He began classical lessons with
renowned guitarist Ken Butler. At the ripe old age of 14, he was approached by high school friends to form a band called
"This Side Up" playing everything from Van Morrison to Van Halen. Time to get an electric guitar, Mom. After 4 years of
school dances, CYO's and private parties, college had scattered the band. He was then invited in 1990 to play with
a local favorite cover band 15 years his senior. He left the band and started to explore song writing and jingles. He has
since written songs for insurance companies, chain restaurants, presentations, weddings, etc. After writing over 300 songs
in 5 years, 42 were used for various corporate purposes around the country. Another important step in Nick's musical development
was his 3 years in a 3 piece instrumental band called "Audio Drama". He was in the company of an accomplished bassist and budding
drummer. It was time to get serious about having fun. Learning as much about bass guitar as he did the possibilities of his
own guitar, he began to dabble on the bass. In 1997, he joined up with what we all know as "Chee Weez". He started on guitar,
but as the band wanted to expand their song list and sound, they needed a keyboard guy. Knowing zilch about this instrument,
he volunteered to try it anyway. Everyone laughed!! His approach was: "Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you
are right". He enjoyed 3+ years on keys, rising to the top of the local cover scene. He has also done 2 clinics for Alvarez
guitars at a local music store and has played various instruments in bands such as: "This Side Up", "Fortune Hunter",
"Lion Heart", "Blind Ambition", "Native Tongue", "Imaginary Friends", "The Rain", "Off the Hook", "Audio Drama", "Bottom's Up",
"Take 5", "Playtime", "Busta Brown", and so many more. He has also played with people such as Fred LeBlanc of
"Cowboy Mouth" and has done session work on guitar at Loyola and Composers Recording Studio. He enjoys teaching, learning,
reading music, and collecting instruments. His influences include Ben Bolt, John Tapella, Kee Marcello, Eric Johnson and
Joe Satriani. Nick's love affair with music for nearly 3 decades has been characterized by his boundless energy, unabashed
enthusiasm and pure joy that come from his playing. Moving forward to 2008, he is currently in "The Gashouse Gorillaz".
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to send Nick an e-mail!!!
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