MUSIC OF THE SON was formed in October 2001 in Crossville, Tennessee. Kendall Idema and Greg Ralphs were asked to play at an outdoor gathering for their local church. Chip Cagle came on board to play the drums and stayed with the group through the recording of their first 2 CDs based on a rock/pop format.
After the departure of Chip in late 2003, Kendall and Greg performed with self-produced backup tracks. In October of 2004, the band reformed, adding the talents of guitarists Ken Wichael and Andy Talford and drummer Eric Ritzman, who was shortly replaced with Steven Teeples.
In November of 2005, tragedy struck the Idema household, as a series of tornadoes swept through Cumberland County, one of which totally destroyed Kendall's house, but by the grace of God, the only corner of the house that remained intact, was the bedroom where the family had gathered to weather the storm. Amazingly, the music studio, only ten feet from the house, was also spared. Needless to say, the band decided to take a haiatus while Kendall's house was rebuilt.
Then in early 2008, with a newly remodeled studio, the band prayerfully felt led to add a new dimension to their path, preparing to add contemporary top ten praise and worship music to their repertoire, and in doing so adding another venue for their God-given talents: Sunday worship services. This meant that the band had to reform once again, adding a new drummer, Chris Wichael. Several months later, the band took another blow, receiving news that guitarist Andy Talford would have to take some time off for personal reasons. In the meantime, waiting for Andy's return, Cameron Wichael began filling in on guitar, adding his very talented musicianship in the form of rhythms and leads to the band.
In August of 2009, the band received some wonderful news: Andy reported that he was ready to rejoin the band, adding his extraordinary talents to the project.
Several months later, in December 2009, CJ Wichael joined the band as keyboard player, adding yet another dimension and fuller, richer sound to Music of the Son.
Their common goal is to share Christ and the Christian lifestyle with as many people as they can through their music. They reside in Crossville, Tennessee and currently are playing around the state for churches and events.
Fans of
modern worship will remember this group the first time they hear them. The
band blends thick rhythms and edgy melodies to create their own unique sound
that generates life to thought-provoking lyrics. Their latest CD, "Letting Go", grooves on at a nice clip with well-written conviction.
With the
addition of 3 new guitarists, Andy Talford, Ken Wichael and Cam Wichael, drummer Chris Wichael, and keyboardist CJ Wichael, the band is experiencing a new fuller sound, playing songs
from the band's first CDs, Dance Little Children and Spiritual Milk.
While frontman Kendall Idema still plays guitar, he has found a new freedom
to express his faith through heartfelt lyrics and depth. Ken Wichael and Cam Wichael trade crunchy lead
licks on top of Andy Talford's textured rhythm backgrounds. CJ Wichael fills in on keyboards while Chris Wichael
and Greg Ralphs are locked in tight on drums and bass, giving the 3
guitarists and keyboardist a solid format to work their creative parts and harmonies. Andy adds his talents singing harmonies to round out the full sound of each
member's talents and musical contributions.
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KENDALL IDEMA
Born: December 13, 1971
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Kendall and his wife, Marianne, have three children, Zaine, Cami, and Jack
In the Band: Kendall is the frontman, singing lead vocals and playing lead and rhythm guitars
Shure SM58 Microphone
Taylor T-5 Guitar
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Born: July 24
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Greg and his wife, Linda, have two girls, Jennifer and Marianne
In the Band: Greg plays bass guitar and sings backup vocals
Shure SM58 Microphone
Fender American Jazz Bass Guitar
Pedulla Rapture Bass Guitar
Ampeg B-2R Amplifier Head
Ampeg 410 HLF Speaker Cab |
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Born: August 7, 1970
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Andy has three children; Jauscelyn, Drew and Matt
In the Band: Andy plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, and sings backup vocals
Yamaha CPX-500 Acoustic Guitar
Gretsch G3150 Semi-Hollowbody Guitar
Fender FM212 Amplifier
Hohner Harmonicas
Shure SM67 Microphone |
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Born: April 26, 1957
Hometown: Trotwood, Ohio
Ken and his wife, Willene, have four sons, Chris, Cameron, Cody, and C.J., whom the Lord has all blessed with the gift of music.
In the Band: Ken plays lead and rhythm guitars and sings backup vocals
2011 Custom-made Carvin CT324 Guitar
1972 Gibson Goldtop Les Paul Deluxe Guitar
Ibanez AEG20E Acoustic Electric Guitar
Dean Markley 30-T Vintage Tube Amplifier
Line 6 Floor Pod Plus Multi Effects Pedalboard
Boss CE01 Chorus Effect Pedal
Visual Sounds Open Road Overdrive Effects Pedal
RS Pro 33-3001 Vocal Microphone
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Born: September 23, 1987
Hometown: Crossville, Tennessee
In the Band: Cam plays rhythm and lead guitars
Custom-made Carvin DC-127 Guitar
Ibanez 7321 7-string Guitar
Schecter Gryphon Guitar
Fender Hot Rod DeVille 2-12 Amp
Line 6 HD-500 Multi-Effects Pedalboard
Blackstar HT Dual
Hardwire SC-2
Visual Sounds H2O Chorus / Delay
MXR Super Amp
Visual Sound Visual Volume Pedal |
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Born: January 29, 1992
Hometown: Crossville, Tennessee
In the Band: CJ plays keyboards
Roland E-90 Keyboard |
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Born: July 31, 1985
Hometown: Crossville, Tennessee
In the Band: Chris plays drums and percussion
Pearl Vision Drums
Paiste 2002 Cymbals
Roland TD-4S Electronic Drums
Vic Firth 5B Sticks
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