The band also featured James Christian who would go on to front the noticeable glam band House of Lords.The band had many others as members throughout their time active, from 1969-'71, and 1973-'76, such as: Michael Solden, (keys), Robert Gionotti (guitar), and bassist Phil Stone from the New Haven band Buckle..
Uninterested in doing cover material ,the band wrote a handful of original tunes in the next six to eight months and began shopping around a demo to record company in LA and New York.
A few weeks later, LA's MGM Records agreed to arrange a live showcase of the band in New York. Weeks later a contract was negotiated and the and recorded their self titled debut album in 6 weeks at Phil Ramones A&R Studios. the album was released in 1971.
Just as a national tour was being arranged, Gionotti left the band. After months of searching but failing to find a replacement that fit the band split. Canaatan and Solden, having been influenced by English bands decided to go to London, England to explore musical opportunities at the time. However, an issue with their work permits, thet took a holiday in Spain, and that is where Cataan and Solden would write their best work together.
While at a Yes concert, they approached Rick Wakeman pre-set, and asked him about the then mysterious Mellotron. They were told ''there's only three of them in the world, King Crimson has one, the Moody Blues has one and Yes has the third." And they were told if they could find one they could expect to pay around $16,000 for it.
Questioning the legitimacy of that claim ,The pair found one in London for 700 pounds, and had it shipped to the U.S.
Now the band had the orchestra they were looking for.
After returning to the states, the band set about looking for the members that would fit with playing the new material. To augment the sound , Phil Stone learned how to play the flute, along with the bass. Cataanta then recruited James Christian, from a local band Hooka as their new front man on lead vocals and Scott Zito on guitar.. Unfortunately, the bad went separate ways citing artistic differences was added to the band on lead guitar, and Jeff Batter left after a couple years, and Christian went on to front House of Lords.
Scott Zito went on to perform with such artists as Grace Slick and Michael Bolton.
