The Beem / Nunkovich Project began when I met and became real good friends with Noel Nunkovich. We both we're stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, but worked in different divisions. I had heard of him through some mutual friends, but at the time I had just gotten to the ship and was still learning my way around.
In April of 1995, we returned from a six month deployment, and we're scheduled for a comprehensive overhaul on the ship. This is a rather involved process which is generally "unpleasant" for all parties involved. Luckily, I was transferred to an "off-ship" industrial facility where I was going to be performing testing, alignment, and verification on the ship's entire UHF communications platform.
That is when I really came to get to know Noel and our musical partnership began. I think it all started when I heard him playing an Al Dimeola CD. "Splendido Hotel", or maybe it was "Casino"; I really cannot remember. But, instantly I knew we both had a love for instrumental music.
Thus began a wonderful time of musical creativity. We composed many pieces, some flew.... some didn't quite get off the ground. Regardless, its was a very wonderful time. I first learned about the recording process through those sessions. Our first piece was called Latin Nights. Others included Pandora's Box, Different Things, Rain, & African Sun, plus others that I can't recall right now. Below are "Real Audio" versions of Latin Night and Pandora's Box. Soon I hope to get African Sun and Different Things available here in mp3 format.
Although I have not seen him in a couple of years, Noel and I remain in touch with each other. He lives in North Carolina and works as a computer programmer. Personally, I look forward to the time we can write again.... |
