www.tranquilmusic.ca

This is a long and drawn out historical view of the band Tranquil. This historical reference is from the perspective of the creator/original member of the band, Joseph Accardi.

Tranquil began in the year 2003. It started shortly after my first band Katana Aka-KliK, broke up in early 2003. The original members of Tranquil were:
Singer Songwriter: Joseph Accardi
Bass Guitarist: Anthony Zanzonico
and
Drummer: Justin Dhama.

After several weeks of practicing and no real performances, Justin Dhama had informed the band that he was going to leave the band to pursue a musical career with his brother's band 'Drip Medley'. <- A local Brit Band from Richmond Hill, ON.

The band (Anthony and I) began searching for a new drummer. In the mean time this role was filled by drummer Kelly McAdam. Kelly filled in for several small shows such as Barn Stock and a back yard party at my place! (Oh the good ol' days.)

After several months of searching, the band found their drummer, Bram Cayne, an incredibly talented drummer from Thornhill, ON. Bram's unique open-hand style of drumming added a new dimension to Tranquil's sound, and I believe kick started the bands musical career. Our first 'show' at the Clinton's bar downtown Toronto was a HUGE success, owed primarily to drummer Bram Cayne and Bass Guitarist Anthony Zanzonico.

We recorded our first album 'Paint you a picture' through marigold records under the production of Rich Dodson (of the Stampedes).

Tracks:
Meant to Me
Inspired
Last Night
Whispers
For the Proud
Your Eyes
Shades of Grey
Talk to Me
Hide
All is Well

In the months to follow, Tranquil paired themselves up with such promoters as 'tangerine records', 'paragonxy' and finally in late 2004, Jim Hopson (Producer). The band competed in the LOCAL AND LOUD competition hosted by Jim Hopson for a grand prize of $20,000.00 worth of studio time. Though we made it to the top 10 of 100 bands, we were not successful in winning the first place prize.

At this point in time, Anthony Zanzonico (bass guitarist) decided it would be more prudent for him to pursue other means for a career. He decided to go his own way, and left Tranquil.

Now the band was back to searching for a Bass Guitarist. Immediately my eyes turned to an impressive musician who was guesting with our brother band, The Jim Smith Band.

Michael Moss; guitarist/bass guitarist and musician extraordinaire. Mike was quick to join the band, but, he insisted on continuing our search for a bass guitarist so he could add his own unique touch to the band on lead guitar.

(this is my favorite part of the story).
A very good friend of mine, Anthony Goto, was living in London Ontario (a 4-5 hour drive from our practice location). I asked him if he would be interested in playing bass for us. At first the drive was a big issue, but after our first practice together, the chemistry was undeniable. We continued playing together, and growing as a group of musicians until finally we decided to enter the LOCAL AND LOUD competition once more. We placed 2nd. We entered a Paragon competition.. and placed 2nd. We entered several other battle of the bands and shows... always 2nd. And at this point, we were creating a bit of a Buzz for ourselves. Life was great.

With this incredible lineup of musicians, we felt it would be benificial to record our first EP. A 5 track album featuring the following songs: Cross that Line, Missing You, Meant to Me, Hide and Nobody Somebody. This EP was recorded through Jim Hopson of the Wellcraft Music Group.

One day, not so long after all of these competitions, Anthony approached me with news of a great opportunity for him available at the west coast of USA (California). The band encouraged him to follow through with the sure bet career (not that we really had a say in it, but it feels good to think we did... right Anthony?). So again, the band was in search of a bass guitarist.

For a long while, we continued to perform acoustic shows as a 3 piece. Each of us missing and yearning for the live stage (and audience the comes with it). Finally, we found ourselves a bass guitarist, Darren Ricci.

Darren, former bass guitarist of the Jim Smith Band, was offered to play with us as a temp bassist until we found someone who could commit full time. Shortly after that he left the Jim Smith Band, to take his place as our full time bassist.

With this lineup, the band felt it would be in our best interest to record our first official, full blown, album. Gig's had been picking up, and we needed something a little more substantial to validate ourselves as a band.

We approached Jim Hopson of the Wellcraft Music Group.

Jim was very eager to help us record this album. We spent many months preparing for the studio, finalizing song lists, and polishing our songs. We even created a live off the floor basement recording of all of our tunes, which was released live on NumberOneMusic. Releasing the album live led us to gain the Number One position on N1M in the category of Alternative/Pop/Rock, which we held for several months.

Unfortunately, this is when things started to turn sour for the members of the band. There was a quarrel rising between guitarist Michael Moss and drummer Bram Cayne. Mike, ignoring all votes from our fans and suggestions from producers and engineers, wanted to record one of his own songs on the album. Bram was quite upset with this, and approached me with the idea of continuing the project without Mike's involvement. I didn't disagree with Bram's decision. Mike had been given several warnings and chances to rectify his behavior. When he was un-willing to comply, Mike was removed from the band. This was by far the darkest hour Tranquil ever faced. There was a fair bit of ridicule and concern from the fans.

Tranquil continued to progress, in spite of this. With our new guitarist Mark Brathwaite, Tranquil's name started flourishing. We had more gigs than we knew what to do with. And with our new 'up-coming' album, the possibilities looked endless.

Then, the unforeseen occurred. Both Bram and Darren decided it was time to turn in. It had been over 4 years for Bram, and with nothing to show for his efforts, he decided it would be best to cut his losses right then. Darren was also finishing up school, and the added gigs and pressure of the music was pressing on his schedule.

I was devastated. All the work I had put into this band had been taken away in a heartbeat. I had planned on selling my songs, and walking away from the music industry all together. However, when that opportunity presented itself to me... I felt like it was impossible for me to give up my art.

I put on a huge Nashville Showcase. It was by far the most fun I have ever had at a show. But still, I couldn't bring myself to revitalize my musical spirit.

Now, ... here we are.
I've started performing regularly again. Just solo stuff. Just for fun. And it's finally starting to revive my love of performance. I've put on some of the best shows of my life, in a tiny stage in the North Hill Inn - Lions Den.

Time to Revive the website.
Revive the Music.
Revive TRANQUIL

Thank you all for waiting for me

- Joseph