Bloomingdale Resident Records Music, Preserves Memories in Home Studio

He was just 5 years old at the time, but seeing the Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 made a lasting impression on Dominick Pages.

“After seeing that show, I was determined to be a musician,” said Pages, who now lists musician, singer, music producer, sound engineer and songwriter among his job titles. “My uncle bought me a drum set, and I learned to play to Beatles records.”

Not satisfied with simply playing the drums, Pages picked up his sister’s guitar and taught himself to play.

“I’m strictly self-taught,” he said. “I play by ear.”

He continued pursuing his love of music, playing in bands with friends after his family moved from Brooklyn, NY, to Florida in 1969.

Then, in 1990, Pages and some friends formed the Crystal Blue band, named for the song, “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James and the Shonells.

"The song was No. 2 on the charts in 1969, the year of Woodstock, one of my favorite years," said Pages. “I liked the song, and the term ‘Crystal Blue’ just reminded of Florida."

Pages and his four-piece band, including members Kenny Custalow, Andy Singleton and Paul Leal, now perform pop rock and oldies at parties, corporate events, restaurants and night clubs throughout Tampa Bay, including a recent performance at the Park Square Summer Concert Series in FishHawk Ranch and the annual Nativity Catholic Church Novemberfest.

"But I knew I couldn't just play in a band forever," Pages said.

So, Pages opened his own recording studio, Crystal Blue Sound studios, which he now operates out of his Bloomingdale East home, located on a scenic conservation area a short distance from the Alafia River.

He's converted the second floor of his home into a recording studio, complete with sound-proof booth, dozens of instruments and an impressive array of recording equipment that allows him to create professional-quality CDs.

"I didn't want a commercial location," Pages said. "I cater to individuals. One of the things people like about recording with me is it's personal. I have a calming effect that allows musicians to get into the right frame of mind so they can reach their maximum potential and produce the best recording possible.

"It's almost music psychotherapy," Pages said of his recording sessions. "I love to lift up people, to inspire them. To create a good CD, you have to be positive and be in the moment. You have to have the right attitude and believe in yourself."

A good CD involves more than simply recording sound, he added.

"Expression is the most important ingredient in a recording," he said. "Music that's lasting is music that touches you in some way."

Among his clients are the St. Stephen Catholic Church adult and teen choirs, the Riverview High School Chorus, Brandon dentist William Belton and Tampa musician Joe Masciello.

"I'd always wanted to record a few songs I had written," said Belton, who has now produced two CDs with Pages. "Nick was very encouraging. With Nick's guidance and coaching, I learned the fundamentals of song structure and recording principals and actually went on to record a 12-song CD."

Musician Alan Darcy also praised Pages.

"In the winter of 1995 I had this crazy dream. I wanted to record my own CD of original songs and cover tunes," Darcy said. "I was led to the perfect person. Professional, talented, enthusiastic, encouraging, Nick has all of these qualities and more. He has that necessary and vital ability to inject his own creative ideas into the production process and marry that with the recording artist's concepts and talents. Nick's love of music is contagious."

Darcy is now working on his third CD with Pages.

In addition to doing recordings in his studio, Pages takes his business on the road, offering mobile recordings and videos of live entertainment.

And, more recently, Pages added a new service to his recording business, producing audio-visual autobiographies for clients.

The idea came from listening to his parents' stories about "the old days." 

"I wanted to do something to preserve these conversations. I thought my parents aren't getting any younger and I wanted something my parents and I could have forever about their pasts," said Pages.

After successfully recording his parents' memories, he decided to offer the same service to the general public.

"I offer a full-scale audio, video, editing and mastering service that digitally preserves the life stories of loved ones, young and old," he said. Featuring music, family photographs, customized graphics and personal interviews, Pages creates keepsakes for families in the form of a CD or DVD.

"It's really a kind of documentary about your family with family members telling stories," he said. "I add music from the time period and old family photos to produce a precious family heirloom you can treasure forever."

Depending on the length, visual effects and music, Pages charges $300 to $500. The initial consultation is free.

For information on Pages' audio-visual autobiographies and recording services, visit cbpro.com or call 813-928-4052.