Peter J. Newland: Guitar, Lead Vocalist, Songwriter
Peter J Newland has been composing since the mid-sixties and the band’s repertoire is built around his body of work. He also plays guitar, keyboard and blues harmonica. Peter formed the Springfield area rock band FAT in 1969 and wrote the songs on their RCA, Dream Merchant Records and Atlantic Records recordings. In 1985 Peter moved to Nashville and worked as a staff writer for Paul Overstreet and Fitzgerald/Hartley. He had songs cut by Hank Williams Junior, Tracey Lawrence, Tracy Byrd, Collin Raye, and others. He moved back to Springfield in 2002 and formed RadioX. They perform a mix of Peter’s originals, and standards from the blues, rock, country and R&B idioms.
Mark Pappas: Guitar
South Hadley-based Mark Pappas has been a consummate Valley guitar slinger for several decades beginning with the legendary Jack Veronesi and Friends, more recently playing guitar with FAT. Shifting effortlessly through many styles from Jazz to blues to rock and country, Mark has studied harmony theory with Dave Santoro at The Hartford Conservatory and jazz guitar with Robert Ferrier at Holyoke Community College.
Dennis Fancher: Guitar
Dennis is a guitar virtuoso who hails from Granby, CT. Fluent in Rock, Blues, Country and Jazz-Fusion he moves fluidly through every genre and is a perfect fit for RadioX’s eclectic and original style. Dennis has played guitar in the James Montgomery Band and has performed with members of the Allman Brothers.
Tim Smith: Drums
Tim has a degree in music from Colby College but attributes much of his musical education to the three years spent alongside legendary Motown bass player and “Funk Brother” Bob Babbitt. The pair accompanied industry icon Brenda Lee on a lengthy, two-year tour as well as two independent albums and many other projects. Tim played with multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, Dove award-winning debut album from crossover super group, Jars of Clay. He was the drummer in Poco for several years. He has also played with Matraca Berg, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Herb Reed and The Platters, Louise Mandrell and countless other rock, country, folk, jazz and R&B artists.
Ralph Whittle: Keyboards
Ralph is a graduate of American International College and is a member of the faculty of Holyoke Community College. Although mostly known for his expertise in the jazz idiom, Ralph is accomplished across all styles. He performed for 5 years with vocalist Carol Hahn and can be currently seen and heard with popular Springfield area jazz singer Ethel Lee. He has performed with contemporary jazz mainstays Peter Erskine, Rufus Reed, Marvin Stamm and others.
Brandon Goulet: Bass
Brandon, our newest and youngest member, is a graduate of the music programs at Holyoke Community College and Westfield State University. A perfect counterpart for drummer Tim Smith in the RadioX rhythm section, the two are a well-oiled, high performance, groove machine. Brandon also plays with regional guitar legend John Cantalini and Ellie Martinez in the Cantalini Three.
