DAMIAN QUINONES

DAMIAN QUIÑONES
Father of the Underground Sensations(his backing group), the oft described "soulster" has been contributing a completely original musical experience of his own design to the sonic landscape of N.Y.C.. Playing in venues such as Mercury Lounge, Pianos, Southpaw, Sin-e, and the Coral Room, the Bronx native credits his musical style to being a reflection of the multicultural enviornment in which he was raised. Akin to a mix tape made from his Uncles old vinyl collection, his take on "Urban Folk Music" is funky, expansive and equally at home in a solo acoustic setting as it is blasting full volume with the band. Quinones songwriting is part 60's Pop, (In the vein of Gainsbourg, Bacharach, Lennon/ McCartney, Davies, and Hayes/Porter) part 70's Nuyorican funk, (in the mold of Willie Bobo, War, and Harlem River Drive) and has elements of Electronic music, Jazz, Tropicalia, and Reggae as well. Quinones band is a motley crew of New York cities funkiest. Aside from composer/bandleader/singer/guitarist, Quinones, Seth Johnson and Dan Laureano(drums and guitar respectively) come from New York based Afro-beat outfit, Wonderland. Greg Richardson has been with the group since its inception as well as participating in a variety of side projects ranging from the South American stylings of Trio Con Cuatro to the raucous Rock of the Five O'Clock Heroes. Brian Higbie and, sometime member, Basil Bouris accent the music with percussive rhythms that range from Afro-Cuban to Middle Eastern. Damian's unique songwriting style is frequently called upon for collaboration; most recently by hip-hop diva's Northern State, co-writing and performing on the track "Speaking for Me" for their critically acclaimed 2004 debut album, "All City"(Columbia Records). Combining pumping beats, jagged guitars, and an audiophile's love for rare and earthy recordings, Damian is currently conspiring with co-producer and creative visionary Jason Martin on a smashing follow up to his debut album, "New Movements in the Old School" (Soluna Records). He is also in the process of recording an E.P. of acoustic music with guitarist/producer/bandmate, Dan Laureano.