Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Harbored just south of the Mason Dixon Line in Washington, DC, CubanStack is moving forward with a brand of rock and roll that is based as much on skill as on thought. The band - Eric Martinez, Josh Stack, Tom White, Brad Lee, and Chris Mikula - pair acoutsic and electric guitars to mold escalating, high energy, textured compositions constructed with impeccable focus.
The brainchild of Martinez and Stack, the band grew from the duo's many performances and two full-length albums. The rest of the band fell slowly into place, gelling with Martinez and Stack while adding depth to a repertoire of already established songs. By June 2003, the line-up for CubanStack was solidified, and the band hasn't slowed down since, logging shows from Virgina to Colorado.
While today's younger generation of msuicans often overindulges in gratuitous solos and aimless jams, CubanStack concentrates on the wholeness of each song. The musicians' efforts expound structure and polish with three-part harmonies soaring above the organic blend. This is not to say that the band can't break into extended jams (they can) but the intent is to nurture each composition to its fullest potential. - Hittin the Note Magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
CubanStack's sound revolves around a constant blend of rock, folk, blues, jam(bands), and their own unique energy flavor. Time and again, they leave audiences shaken AND stirred by their brand of rock 'n roll. Their influences are varied as shown by their propensity to cover Dr. John, Warren Zevon, JJ Cale, The Black Crowes, and Jane's Addiction. However, it is the original material by this band that has struck a chord with audiences all over the country. In February of 2003, they toured Colorado as a 3 piece, opening for the Zen Tricksters in Denver and headlining two shows in Steamboat Springs and Evergreen.
“What we’ve heard the most when we travel is how much people love our originals. You don’t expect that when you travel and don’t have all your friends singing along. It’s comforting to know that our songs can stand up on their own in diverse markets,” says lead guitarist Eric Martinez.
CubanStack has evolved into a 5 piece over the course of the last year. It started when guitarists Eric Martinez and Joshua Stack chose to develop their recording relationship into a performing one. Shortly thereafter, they added Tom White on percussion and began playing regularly in and around DC for 6 months. With the addition of Brad Lee on bass and Chris Mikula on drums, they have a full five piece band of old friends that has begun to stir crowds in DC and beyond.
On November 1st, 2003, CubanStack shared a bill with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads/P'Funk), George Porter Jr. (Funky Meters), and Bloodkin at BB King's Blues Club in New York City. The capacity crowd at one of New York's premiere venues was nothing short of blown away, virtually ensuring CubanStack of a return trip to the Big Apple. Their most recent accolade was a headlining debut at the Iota Club in Arlington in late December 2003. They also played another one of the DC Area’s crown jewels of venues, The State Theater in May of 2004.
When you see a CubanStack show, you hear music that is honest, at times hard driving, at times delicate, but always with an energy and an intensity that has helped them to attract crowds in diverse markets in a very short period of time. See for yourself…
“CubanStack molds escalating high energy, textured compositions constructed with impeccable focus.” Jamie Lee, “Hittin the Note” Summer 2004 Issue
“One of the best bands in Arlington.” Stephen Negray, Owner, Iota Club and Café
“[This] band rocks.” Michael Jaworek, booking manager, The Birchmere.
Booking Information: Eric Martinez: 301-257-3088; Joshua Stack: 571-212-1607
www.cubanstack.com
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