For hundreds of years, their kind wandered, sharing their knowledge, their experiences, and the benefits borne of their unique skill sets.  They represented interests in all facets of the sciences, skilled trades, and the arts.  In their own special fashion, each worked with and taught others, and in this way their knowledge and ways of life were passed from one generation to the next.

Centuries passed. New sons emerged to carry on the established traditions of their breed... walking the long and sometimes lonely roads to the places they sensed they must go, doing the things that they knew they must. In the course of their lives they formed countless associations and alliances with those of like ilk, and with humankind too.

Decades more passed...

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The Merging of the 'Two'

Eventually, the 'Two', the first to consider forming what would be known as the 7th Sons, met and forged a special friendship.  This union was borne of compassion and their common love of for one of the oldest and most treasured skills known among those like them... ... the ability to uplift the spirit through the creation of music. But there was far more to their venture. They were destined to bring forth and share the healing and uplifting qualities of the music they made with those they met as they journeyed through the world.

The 'Two' shared had a long association and friendship, but drifted out of contact for a few years prior to reconnecting. Their alliance and friendship would become stronger than ever before. This reunification formed the catalyst for a joint effort; to set out and find others of their kind who had a similar vision... sharing their skills with others like them, and who reveled in joyous and magical forms of music! This then, was the beginning. It became known as 'The Merging Of The Two'.

The 'First' of the 'Two' possessed the gifts of timing, a variety of beats, and the ability to dynamically control them. Within this Son, there resided a determination needed to bring the others together, and the ability to organize and forge events. And, he also had the ability to sing, though more in a supportive role than a lead. But the instrumental role of the 'First' is one that requires alignment with another to be complete. Together, these two form a foundation. However, this other connection had not yet been discovered, and other alliances necessary to the whole would be formed in the meantime.

Bill McFadden
Drums - Vocals
the 'First'

Tom Bellone
Keyboards - Vocals
the 'Second'
 

The 'Second' had forged music with the 'First' before, and they worked well together. The Second's gifts were connected to the keys of white and black ivory. He created melodies, harmonies, composed and transposed, and could easily craft hypnotically soothing passages.  Armed with these abilities, people could envision his passion for the music as he rocked, weaved and smiled to the notes and chords that he held them spellbound with. His passion was contagious, and those who listened would often smile and felt good. These were the gifts he would share with those like him, and with others too.

Elden Lisalda
Saxophone - Guitar - Vocals
the 'Third'
 

Within these prospective Sons, came the 'Third'... his blood line was of an old and powerful warrior race. He possessed enthusiasm, strong planning and organizational skills, and the gifts of multi-instrumentalism. The 'Third' blew one instrument into the Four Winds, sending a series of passionate, wailing sounds that filled the air with a variety of colors and textures. His second instrument was stringed. With it, he created rhythmic patterns, sweet chords, and singular notes that at times mimicked voices calling out. The 'Third' also possessed a third capability... that of voice. Like a long-lost brother-in-arms, the 'Third' took his place in the future of the 7th Sons. Now there were three.

Beginnings & Middle
Return Of The 'Fourth'

The 'Fourth' and the 'First' had also been connected long ago. Extroverts by nature, these Sons were often at the center of humorous hi-jinx and friendly mischief. Those in their social circles were often entertained by these two as they strayed off the beaten

paths in search of a smile or outright laugh.  Some found themselves to be willing or unwitting partners in the frequently adlibbed attempts of these two Sons to spread good cheer. But, the 'First' and the 'Fourth' had come to a fork in the road many years prior, and traveled in different directions. They could not know that their paths would cross again, rekindling that connection they once shared, where they often humored each other as much, if not more, than others.

Then, out of a potentially creative void, the 'First' became reconnected with the 'Fourth' via a mutual friend. But they now shared something else... a tragedy. During their separation, both had lost a child to death, a fact that deeply wounded their souls. Neither had known about the loss of the other until they were reunited. But now, the depth of their bond, their friendship, and their commitment of support to each other, grew larger and stronger as they worked through their emotions and faced their tragic pasts together, and combined their talents to create new music.
 

The 'Fourth' brought with him an expertise in manipulating stringed instruments. He could make them weep, sing, scream, shout or squeal with glee. This Son knew how to finesse his instrument, and how to make sounds that drew people to the emotions that leapt from his fingers into the strings. When he felt joy, joy is what was heard. And if he felt sadness or anger, then these were the emotions that traveled on the winds that carried his sound. The 'Fourth' also brought a voice, which he combined with his instrument to make his feelings known. Together, they created a powerful combination. His vocal skills were now combined with those of the 'First' and the 'Third'. When they sang together, a rainbow of sound was emitted and those listening became quite attentive.

Nick Calandrino
Lead Guitar - Vocals
the 'Fourth'
 

A Great Reunion
Inviting The 'Fifth'

After the separation of the 'First' and the 'Fourth', the latter joined efforts with the Son that would complete the circle, and act as a catalyst for the creation of the 7th Sons. This Son too had forged a strong bond of creation and friendship with the 'Fourth'. Like the 'First' and the 'Fourth', the 'Fifth' had also joined in a series of humorous antics with the 'Fourth' that brought smiles and

laughter to many of those they crossed paths with. Thus, it came to pass that an invitation was sent to the 'Fifth' asking him to join the others and close the circle. The action would eventually allow them all to raise the level of their craft to new heights, though at the time they were not aware how high and how far this would carry them.
 

Rick Frost
bass guitar - vocals
the 'Fifth'

 

The 'Fifth' brought with him to the mix rhythm, timing, and the push-pull of finesse and force. Possessing vast musical experiences in a variety of genres, a sharp wit, and intelligence, the 'Fifth' would also become a valuable asset in forming the future direction of the 7th Sons, as well as in the creation of their sound. But his value was even greater than the sum of these skills and contributions. He was the other half of the afore-mentioned foundation with the 'First', which was needed for the others to create upon. Together, they formed the heartbeat of the Sons, providing a strong driving force that would underlie all the group's efforts.

Creating And Performing
As The 7th Sons
 

Once all the Sons had settled in, began to grow comfortable with each other, and realized the potential that was possible as a result of combining their skills, they also began to understand that they had created something special in the process.

The 7th Sons had been born.

Now, they were looking for paths that would allow them to create while accomplishing certain key goals that had always been important to them.

Those goals are loosely defined below...

       To enjoy what we do, to have fun, and work toward improving our craft in the process.

       To create internal and external bonds through the creation and sharing of ideas, and the musical experience.

       To spread the idea that music has certain of healing qualities, and is a powerful expression of that idea.

       To use our skills and our craft to bring joy, fun, caring, compassion, love, hope and healing to those in need!

This then, is what it's all about.... being a part of the 7th Sons!

Learn About the 'Sixth' 7th Son, photographer Bob Bernardo...