Nimbus Obi was a 1980s/1990 synth/pop/prog act similar to art rockers like Tubeway Army, Talking Heads, and locals the Monroes. Formed in 1984 by keyboardist-songwriter Joseph Kolkovich, a former theatrical troupe performer, the definitive lineup also featured Ed Been (later of Y3K, Ristband), who joined in 1985, and Mark Bock (later of Rocket Surgery) and Pat Shea (both added to the lineup in 1989).
Their 1986 EP In Search of Minds includes the song "Nite Jewel," inspiring the moniker of a later-named band called Nite Jewel. In December 1990, manager David Chelemen lined the band up with a label showcase at the Roxy in L.A., resulting in Warner Bros. Records commissioning a three-song demo recorded and mixed at Kearny Mesa's the Studio with producer Wayne-o Tweed (Anita Baker, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight).
Despite much media buzz, however, the band never quite found a footing outside San Diego and split.
In 2016, the band's onetime keyboardist Joseph Kolkovich released a cello concerto entitled "Operation Songbird," recorded in performed in Bratislava with cellist Ján Slávik.