Our Story

2023/2024 UPDATE: Due to health issues in the band as well as members of our families which hampered our ability to commit to gigs we decided to take a bit of a hiatus 2024. We did play a few gigs in that time frame but decided to take an unofficial break.

2025 UPDATE: After our Lead Singer could not continue and our Bass player joined another band during our hiatus Ken and Steve have decided to “revive the band ” and have started to look for new members to join us. Once we sort things out we will update the website.

In the Beginning …

Back in the Mid 1990’s four engineers from Intel got together to form the original Reasonable Doubt . The band played at multiple Intel Talent shows and private parties. After a few years Mark Seconi (bass) transferred to Oregon and Steve Smiley (Drums), Wilfred Martis (Vocals) and Ken Cardita (Guitar) decided to break up the band.

Over the next 20 years Steve and Ken worked together on and off in various groups at Intel. Wilfred also worked with Ken and Steve in Intel’s Consumer Electronics Division. The three of them along with a few other co-workers performed at a couple of that groups celebration events.

In 2016 Ken and Steve retired from Intel , Wilfred had left in years prior to start his own businesses. At Steve and Kens retirement party there was talk of “getting the band back together” .

That finally happened a year or so later adding Dave Sorenson (Vocals/Keyboards) and new bassist Steve Lucas. After a year or so the bassist relocated out of state. (Bassists moving out of state is our version of Spinal Taps revolving drummer saga)

The band turned to Craigslist to find its new bassist. It took the better part of a summer to audition a few people. It was an interesting adventure for sure. Brian Crossley (Vocals/Bass) answered the ad. Ken and Brian had an initial conversation and things seem hopeful. As luck would have it it took a couple of months for that audition to happen after a few false starts. Midway thorough the second song during the audition Ken and Steve looked at each other and gave that “we found our guy” look of approval. Brian got the gig that night. (by the way he has changed jobs a couple of times while in the band but managed NOT to move out of state – This may have something to do with Ken mentioning that if he moved he would get a visit from uncle Carmine and cousin Vinny)

Over the last couple of years the current lineup has stuck together, learning songs and playing gigs, all while going through some personal and family challenges (including some very difficult situations). Our passion for playing is only matched by our strong bond of friendship and support for one another that has in some case spanned decades.

In March of 2022, Lead Singer Wilfred Martis left the band to focus on his business. The band did not have to look far for a new lead singer. Justin Smiley ( son of our drummer) has stepped in to take over the role of lead singer and cowbell soloist. Justin comes well qualified, as the original 1990’s Reasonable Doubt “serenaded him to sleep” while he was in his crib as a baby. In fact he is singing a few of the very same songs that he fell asleep to nearly 30 years ago.