Kel’s life with music has followed many twists and turns. As a teenager, he studied classical guitar with Jeffrey John Kust in Chicago and then attended the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. After two years at the University of Southern California and short stint at Berklee College of Music, Kel found his way back to Austin, Texas in search of ‘tone’ and the completion of his business education at the University of Texas. While in Austin, Kel co-founded the Hit Shack, a top Austin recording facility. Kel left the business in 1994 and returned to Houston to concentrate on his real love: writing and performing. He played area-wide with several acts before teaming up with Canadian singer, Simon Harrison to form ‘dragonfly’. Kel then traveled to Alberta and along with Simon and drummer Michael Keith, he toured Western Canada in 2002 and 2003 under ‘mantra’ moniker. The rest becomes ‘dark horse’ history…

Bob’s background in the music industry is rather diverse. He began playing bass when his older brother gave him a Traynor Bass Mate Amplifier and said, “Now, go get a Bass…” Bob learned a few songs and was hooked; he continued to hone his skills until a need for a “lighting guy” for his brother’s band took the forefront.  Bob began learning the technical side of lighting in 1986 and by 1987 got his first job at a “real” lighting company. Bob’s professional lighting career began in 1988 when he began working with the likes of Harry Belafonte, Dan Seals and other international performers. Bob has progressed with both playing Bass and doing lighting, reaching several plateaus with each discipline. Bob has worked production with such bands as Cher, Metallica, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and several large music festivals and live theatre.  His Bass playing experience has been predominantly with bar bands although he has helped create and record several original works.  Bob has also had the opportunity to jam with Rik Emmett of Triumph fame, Jeff Healy and has had the chance to play “Born to be Wild” with Steppenwolf at a sound check in Kitchener Ontario.  Bob will always be a musician and focuses all of his skill and attention on whatever project he is involved in.

"A no good rotter with arthritis..."

Electric Fretless Bass, Semi-acoustic Fretless Bass, Chapman Stick.
Composer, Arranger, Performer.

A former member of both NEOA4 and Darkroom, Doug is presently working with Bobby Cameron and Gaye DeLorme.

His first solo release, 'Beacon', is currently out of print. Doug's second solo release is due November 04, 2004.

At the tender age of three Michael began testing the percussive qualities of an endless array of objects. Awarded for outstanding achievement in music Michael went on to study privately with two Edmonton Symphony Orchestra percussionists. With a bursary to study jazz at the University of Lethbridge, he began teaching drums as a part-time college faculty member. Besides performing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, Michael toured with a California-based orchestra throughout 34 U.S. states, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland. In recent years he has focused on evolving trends of World Beat; his fascination with integrating western music styles with other ethnic genres has led to performances with musicians from Lebanon, India, Uganda, Ghana, Germany, Chile, Panama and Korea. After devoting 2 years to studying West African drumming at the University of Alberta, Michael indulged his love of rock by touring Western Canada with Kel and Simon under the name ‘mantra’.

Mike began singing in church while very young. A multi-instrumentalist and avid rock fan, he drove his folks crazy as the singer/guitarist for his first band at age 13.
After discovering his passion for vocals, Mike studied opera vocal technique at the Edmonton Conservatory of Music. He has been greatly influenced by the trademark voices of Rob Halford, Bruce Dickenson, Ian Gillan and Ronnie James Dio.
Outside of singing, Mike has 3 passions: sailing, intricate model building and his young son, Jayden.
     Mike can currently be seen fronting Edmonton Priest/Maiden tribute act, ‘Tyrant’, (www.maidenpriest.com).
Quote:
"It was an absolute honor to be asked to work with such skilled musicians and writers in this project and a real pleasure to be part of such a fine tune like 'Freedom'."