Our Story

Dave Gonsalves: Lead and Background Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Trumpet
Jeff "Marty" Martin: Lead and Background Vocals, Bass Guitar, Keyboards
Rob Desousa: Lead and Background Vocals, Lead Guitar
Mel Accardi: Drums and Percussion

HISTORY
When you hear THE SOUND FOUNDATION play, the first thing you notice is the way the four members seem to be in sync with eachother. The reason for this is that the band’s sound has come together over 15 years of playing together. Dave Gonsalves, Rob Desousa, and Jeff "Marty" Martin first began playing shows at Coyle & Cassidy High School in Taunton, MA in 1984, as THE DEAL.
In 1989 THE SOUND FOUNDATION was started by Dave Gonsalves with his brother, bassist Jay Gonsalves, Lead guitarist Rob Desousa and Drummer Chris Emond. The boys played all around New England with their mix of Classic Rock, Alternative, Hip-hop, and Progressive songs until 1991, when Jay decided to move out of the area and leave the band. At about that same time, Bassist Jeff Martin had finished college at UMASS Lowell and was anxious to return to music. The band continued to play more than eighty dates per year for the next four years Until Chris Emond left to pursue a project of his own. The loss of the talented long time friend had left the band in a funk, although they continued to perform with help of drummer and friend, Tom Booth. Tom had played with Marty at UMASS and lended his slick polished sound to the band. Tom’s time was at a premium, however, because of other projects. Dave Jeff and Rob were about to call it quits when they heard about a dedicated Brockton drummmer, Mel Accardi, who was looking for a new band. Mel’s drive and enthusiasm brought the band back to life and gave THE SOUND FOUNDATION the rock solid professional drum playing that completed the sound. With all the member’s in place, the band decided to change the format of the music to better suit their talents and audience. The new music was to be Alternative in nature, always upbeat and danceable.

INFLUENCES
Because the boys have been together for so many years, they share a lot of the musical influences from their time together. Band’s like Toad the wet sprocket, Live, and The Dave Matthews Band are some of the influences the band has had together, but here are some of the individual influences of each of the boys.

Dave: The Smiths, Jimmy Buffett, Huey Lewis and the News, The Replacements, Squeeze, They Might be Giants, Weird Al Yankovic.
Marty: Rush, Black Sabbath, Yes, Kiss
Rob: Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osborn, Stevie Ray Vaughn,
Mel: Gino Vanelli,

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
John Curtin, original Drummer for THE DEAL- Comedian-playing comedy clubs in Boston
Jay Gonsalves, original Bassist for THE SOUND FOUNDATION- Playing in THE BAHA BROTHERS
Tom Booth, interim drummer for THE SOUND FOUNDATION, Playing with THE CRAMDENS
Mike Laliberte-Guitarist,filled in for Rob for a year- Married Dave’s Sister-in-law
John Barber, former sound engineer for THE SOUND FOUNDATION- drummer for ROCKET SCIENCE
Kerrie Powers, played with Dave in THE HIGH ROLLERS- Now a national folk act
Chris Emond- original drummer for THE SOUND FOUNDATION- Happily married with two children. Still sings if you beg him.

OTHER BANDS WE HANG OUT WITH

TRIA-
BIG RUBBER MALLET-
THE JACK D’ JOHN’S-
THE BANG TAIL CATS
FINGER LICKIN’ BLUE
DUMPSTER BUNNIES