Chris Fantasia: Guitar, Vocals
Chuck Fantasia: Guitar, keyboards, Vocals, Chris plays all the lead guitar solos on the CD, except for the song "Believe". On that song, Chuck plays the solo and Chris plays the other guitar fills.
Les Keil: Bass
John Brinkers: Drums
Influences
Chris: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Hallen, Steve Vai, The Ramones
Chuck: Anyone who writes a good song...all styles...it can be James Taylor all the way up to Godsmack. I can't forget...Bruce Springsteen.
When Chris was 4 years old, I realized he was more than special. While playing my piano, I realized that he could tell me what notes I was playing without looking....he had perfect pitch. He started playing guitar that year, and by the age of 10, he was wowing audiences with his rare ability. The highlight of that year was playing the Star Spangled Banner at the famous Stanhope House. Since then, we have played hundreds of shows together and he continues to drop jaws wherever we play. My story is much less exciting, as I started off playing keyboards at the age of 12. When I was 18, a friend of mine laughed at me as I attempted to play his guitar...he said to me "Dude...don't ever buy a guitar..you suck" Well....the next day I bought a cheap Strat copy and started teaching myself. At the age of 22, I met one of my best friends and mentors, Mingo Lodge. He asked me to join his band, The Surf Cowboys. For the next 7 years, I had the time of my life playing for one of the biggest regional bands going, playing hundreds of shows up and down the east coast. The band changed names...to Big Boss Sausage and the Missing Links...then just Big Boss Sausage. To this day, I owe everything to Mingo...who is a friend and mentor. I would never have gone on to be a solo artist nor lead numerous musical projects without the knowledge he passed to me and for that I can never do enough to repay him. Another person who gave me a chance early when I wasn't very good and just starting out was the great guitarist Mike Lawlor. Mike also deserves thanks for his role in my musical endeavors. These are people who never turned their noses up at beginners.
Currently, we continue to play various venues, either just me and Chris, or as a full band. Joining us for full bandshows is ex-Serf Cowboy Big Boss Sausage bassist Les Keil and Drummer John Brinkers.
Many times a son will call his father his "hero." In this case, Chris is TRULY an inspiration to me and performing with him is one of the true passions and joys of my life. In reality, Chris is my "hero."
