Crammed inside a single room in a house are six members of
Juz-Cuz
– a San Martin-based band – their manager, and their
equipment.
Crammed inside a single room in a house are six members of Juz-Cuz – a San Martin-based band – their manager, and their equipment.
Dressed in T-shirts and jeans while practicing, the boys are focused and serious.
Sort of.
Suddenly, lead singer and keyboardist Sam Donato stops playing, and picks up his cell-phone.
“Hey, can I call you back in like five seconds?” he says, and hangs up quickly to jokes from the rest of the band.
The group is practicing for their weekend shows – and the upcoming 2004 Gilroy Garlic Festival – but the band has a lot more waiting in the wings.
Juz-Cuz is signed with PPL records, and has recorded a full-length CD, “The Return of the Players.”
It is available through several online stores, including Amazon.com, Borders online (www.borders.com), and Target online (www.target.com). A CD release party is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Strand Theater in Gilroy, to celebrate the CD’s release in general stores.
“This CD has been our last six months,” said Dave Donato, band manager and father of two of the members.
The CD is comprised of completely original material, written and produced by the band. There are also plans to tour later in the year, which depend on sales results.
“Right now all we’re concentrating on is the boys’ playing,” said Donato.
Most members of the band have a long history together. Sam Donato and lead guitarist Anthony Donato are brothers.
They are the only two members left of the family band Just Cousins, started by Dave Donato and his wife, Rose Donato.
Originally just a way to pass the time, Just Cousins evolved into Juz-Cuz as members came and went.
The band is now comprised of Anthony and Sam Donato, bassist Mark Kraft, saxophonist Armando Rodriguez, drummer Kirk Berkland, and trumpet player Deepu Kochuparambil.
When asked to characterize their music, the members groan and roll their eyes.
“That question always stumps us,” said Sam Donato. “We’re somewhere stuck in between genres.”
“Pop R&B. Just say pop R&B,” insisted Berkland.
Their music is certainly influenced by R&B, funk and soul.
Members cite Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder as favorite artists, and their sets are mixed in with covers of popular songs like “Play that Funky Music” and “Shining Star.”
Sam and Anthony also credit their parents for being a large influence.
“They’re the ones that push you,” said Anthony.
Upcoming shows are scheduled for Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the main stage of the Garlic City Fun Run and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Christmas Hill Park Amphitheater.
They also will play July 23 during the 2004 Gilroy Garlic Festival, on the Vineyard and Gazebo stages.
For more information on Juz-Cuz, including how to order their CD, visit their website at www.juz-cuz.com.
