NAMES

Names Thompson Biography Names was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1970. Started playing drums in 1983. He first started to play drums in local rock bands and even played drums in Church. In 1990 he moved to Phoenix, Arizona to attend school. Then in 1992 he moved to Maryland and played drums with local musicians. Names then decided to purchase a set of congas and timbales and studied and learned from local Cuban and Puerto Rican percussionists. By 1997 Names began playing professionally. He performed with many of the following artists and bands; Abraxas, Mama Jama, Clones Of Funk, FanFan, Noche Latina, Latin Jazz Allstars, At and Flute Visions, Bill Davis, Patrick Desantos, Soul Brazil, Nayas and See-I and Thievery Corporation. Names currently plays with Nayas, See-I, and Soul Brazil. Birth name Names Thompson Also known as Nombres Born June 14th 1970 (1970-14-06) (age 37) Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Genre(s) Reggae, Latin, Samba Instrument(s) Drums Vocals Years active 1997 - Present Label(s) Associated acts See-I, Nayas, Soul Brazil Website www.Myspace.com/namesdums www.myspace.com/seei www.myspce.com/nayasNames Thompson “Nombres” (born June 14, 1970) is an American drummer primarily known for his work with the bands SEE-I, Nayas, and Thievery Corporation.Influences Some of Names influences are Tito Puente, John Bonum, Giovanni Hidiaglio, Heracio Hernadez, Neil Pert, Tony Williams, Sheila E., Chad Smith, Steve Gadd, Bob Marley, Roots Raddicks, and Peter Tosh.Equipment 1968 Slingerland vintage set Zildjian and Sabian Cymbals Gibraltar Hardware Axis II Kick Pedal LP Classic Congas, (quinto, conga, tumba) LP Timbales LP BongosQuotes “ My father was a Haitian conga player that practiced Latin and Haitian music. Throughout my adolescent years I remember awakening early on Saturday mornings to the smell of incense and the sound of my father playing his drums. Due to his early influence at the age of 11, I had created my very own 1st drum kit out of my bedroom dresser and coffee pots. Ruining my bedroom furniture, my angry mother then purchased me my first real drum kit. My good friend and drum instructor Rafael Monte Agudo said that I was one of the most versatile drummers he had ever worked with. Styles ranging from latin rhythms, funk, hip-hop, reggae and jazz.DiscographyBill Davis Project-Contemporary Jazz Flute Visions-Latin Jazz Patrick Alban & Noche Latina-Salsa J.D.’s Grove-Latin Jazz Nayas-South American Ska Rock Reggae See-I -Reggae Rude Dog-Blues Baltimore Blues Collection-BluesVenues and Shows Eighteenth Street lounge- Washington Dc (See-I and Soul Brazil) Bossa Bistro-Washington Dc (Nayas) 9:30 Club-Washington Dc (See-I and Nayas) Black Cat- Washington dc ( Nayas) 8 X 10- Baltimore, Md (See-I) Virgin Festival 2007- Baltimore, Md (See-I) Kennedy Center- Washington Dc (with Noche Latina) Johns Town Fest- Johns Town PA (Bio Ritmo) Tap House- west VA (See-I) Barbary- Philidephia PA (See-I) Out back Lodge- Charletsville Va (See-I) Starscape- Baltimore (See-I)