Nomeus Music

Nomeus Trio at the Weal in Highland, MI 2007

A Little History~ 

Nomeus Music began life as home recordings as early as 2002 - basically stuff that I didn't think fit into the Shrimpanzee format (which is weird to think back on now, because Shrimpanzee didn't really have a format.. I think that was the point!).

At the beginning of 2007, I put together a group with my old friend (and excellent drummer- we played in Swiss Fleas together in the 90's) Chad Stultz- we met Ben Lewellen at the Mug Shot Coffee Shop where I worked and ran an open mic night.

We played several shows in an area not really known for live music- namely the Milford and Highland areas. 

Our thing was improvisation- we were usually ON with that sort of thing- but for the shows, we felt we had to incorporate actual "songs" into our sets- so we incorporated some covers by Paul Weller, Curtis Mayfield, The Beatles, The Kinks, Traffic, Badfinger, REM, The Action, a bunch of Ween stuff and many more.. we assumed that the local bars would not hire us if we were just improvising the whole time. Now that I look back, I wish we would have improvised more at those bar gigs. Fortunately, many of our best improvisations were recorded at rehearsals at the Mug Shot (who let us rehearse there on Sundays when they were closed).

Nomeus "Trio" (as we often referred to that line-up) played something like 15 to 20 shows in 2007- I can't remember exactly why we stopped, but it was a friendly thing with no hard feelings. That band was a lot of fun to play with!

For the next couple of years, Nomeus Music only popped up from time to time in the form of recordings (usually myself with some guests) .. I should also mention that most Nomeus Music albums are referred to as volumes of "Super Worm Sketchbook" due to the fast, first-idea-is-best-idea approach to writing and recording them (not exactly sure where "Super Worm" comes from).

In 2010, I relocated to Ypsilanti and managed to put together a new line-up. That year, Nomeus Music averaged anywhere from 3 to 10 players (I played bass that year- there were several good guitar players, but I could not find a bass player- so there I was). 

Devil's Night 2010- the 10-piece Nomeus Music performed at the Royal Oak VFW Hall.. our drummer suddenly quit about a week before, so we asked everyone involved to please try to find a replacement. 3 drummers showed up that night!

-to be continued...

Okay- here is a list of Nomeus Music participants thus far:

• John Moore- guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals, production, artwork, concepts, etc... John started this whole mess some time in 2002...  
• Chad Stultz- drums, percussion.. original Nomeus Trio member.. played tons of shows in 2007, and participated in multiple rehearsal, recording and performance situations. Swell guy.
• Ben Lewellen- bass.. original Nomeus Trio member.. great player.. bumped into him in Ypsilanti a couple of years ago- I think he said he was in Chicago- he's a professional something-or-other.. sounded like he was doing well.
• Jesse Cardenas- guitar, bass, drums.. mostly drums in NM. Played drums on the "Chicken Fat" studio sessions.. plays bass on one track from "Super Worm Sketchbook 5: Narthismorgue".. rehearsed with NM for Devil's Night 2010, but could not make it to the gig.. has also played in Uneasys & Banana Split Jones.  Amazing all-round talented fellow.
• Dave Hollingshead- drums, percussion... OJABOM mainstay.. Dave has participated in many Nomeus Music (and related *) sessions... super swell guy.. *Shrimpanzee, Uneasys, E Minor Oswald, Banana Split Jones.. etc... he has also provided much technology for these projects. Thanks Dave!!! 
• Joe Iafrate- guitar... great guitar player.. participated in the Devil's Night rehearsals and show. Joe plays with a ton of groups in the Metro Detroit area... a true free-lancer and grand improviser.
• James McGee- guitar... one reliable mofo... played on the "Chicken Fat" sessions as well as the Devil's Night rehearsals and show. Also plays with Uneasys and a ton of other groups. Terrific guy, that James McGee.
• Eddie Aubuchon- keyboards, live sound... Eddie participated in the Devil's Night rehearsals and show... great guy... has played in many Detroit area musical projects. (Eddie passed away a couple of years ago- he was a great player and he will be missed!)
• Michael Lipson- saxophone... multi-instrumentalist, grand personality... Mike played the Devil's Night show... also guested with Uneasys at the Loco Gnosis May Days concert in Ypsilanti. Check in with Michael at http://www.michiganmonster.com/keep_your_lips_on/
• Sasha Bagchi- trumpet... participated in many rehearsals.. played the Devil's Night show.. also has played with Banana Split Jones... solid. 
• Tim Lieder- drums... amazing drummer.. participated in some rehearsals. Hope to get him back in here again soon.
• Jim Talkington- percussion... he's a comedian and one of the most enthusiastic individuals I have met so far. Nice guy.
• Perry Burda- drums.. played the Devil's Night show... great drummer!
• Greggorio Drums- drums... played the Devil's Night show. .. also a great drummer!

am I forgetting anybody???


Nomeus Music 2015: