(The following text is from a Rubicon Biography from the Publicity Department of 20th Century Fox Records. It does not list a year, but it would be from 1978, the time of the release their self-titled album)
The San Francisco Bay Area continues its reputation for spawning landmark musical groups with the launching of RUBICON on 20th Century Records. RUBICON is a vibrant, high-energy, seven-man band with an unmatched musical versatility. The band boasts of three capable lead vocalists and all members can handle harmony and background parts. All seven guys write music and are able to communicate their musical ideas in an articulate, verbal manner as well as through their instruments.
Perhaps the supreme musical talent to emerge from the Bay Area so far has been Sly and the Family Stone. The piercing, vibrant horn contributions to such Top Ten smashes as "Stand", "Everyday People", and "Thank You (falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" were propelled by Jerry Martini, the organizer and guiding thrust of RUBICON. An experienced, understanding, and perceptive professional, Jerry has drawn on his ten years membership in Sly's Family Stone to carve out the doctrines and goals of RUBICON. When Jerry helped put Sly's band together in 1966, he was determined to learn and absorb as much as he could about the music industry and he never lost sight of that objective. The ten years that followed saw him contribute musically to seven gold albums, one platinum album, exciting, explosive concerts in every major city in the U.S. and Europe, and a riveting show-stopping performance of "Dance To The Music", "Music Lover", and "I Want To Take You Higher" at Woodstock in 1969, the peak performance at the ultimate rock concert. Their highly visual and excitingly musical performance was captured on film and repeatedly singled-out and applauded by film critics upon the release of the movie Woodstock by Warner Brothers in 1970.
Born in Colorado, Jerry's interest in music began at the age of two when he sang in public for the first time. At the age of twelve, he was performing on local television shows. In 1966, Jerry convinced Sly Stone to put a band together and this began what Jerry refers to as an "invaluable and unforgettable musical experience". While cultivating and developing RUBICON, Jerry along with the other RUBICON horn players Max Haskett and Dennis Marcellino, has added his unique horn style to several recording sessions including Graham Central Station's recent hit album Now Do You Wanna Dance.
Dennis Marcellino brings his exceptional versatility on the saxophone, tambourine, and flute to RUBICON as well as a resonant lead vocal. Professional acting lessons have enhanced his substantial ability to project himself to his audience. His musical honing includes two years with Sly and the Family Stone, as well as stints with Elvin Bishop and The Electric Flagg. His laid-back, mellow persona is a reflection of his deep interest and exploration of mysticism and Eastern philosophies.
At twenty, Bradley Gillis is RUBICON's youngest and newest member. He received a guitar for his eighth birthday and he has been playing ever since. Brad's guitar styling is reminiscent of Jeff Beck and he adds a strong rock flavor to the band. His striking good looks, are complemented by a confident, exuberant attitude and a ready willingness to learn as much as he can about his first love - music.
The distinctive bass guitar sound that highlights RUBICON is supplied by Jack Blades who has been playing bass since the age of twelve. A native of Palm Springs, California, Jack's genuine enthusiasm for his music saw him join many local bands in Southern California. Jack was a pre-med student at San Diego State University when he first met Jerry who was so impressed with Jack's playing that he decided to put a band together structured around Jack's style of playing and convinced him to move to San Francisco and work there until Jerry was ready to put the group together.
Jack's friendship with RUBICON's drummer and lead vocalist, Greg Eckler, predates the birth of RUBICON. Greg and Jack have played together a number of years ago and were familiar with each other's musical styles prior to joining forces in RUBICON. Born in Kentucky, Greg played the trumpet in high school and college where he learned to read and write music. A great showman, his facial appearance bears a striking resemblance to Elton John, but Greg's way around his double bass drum set is uniquely his own.
Jim Pugh, keyboardist, has an intense driving passion for music. With substantial formal training, Jim is the group's most technically proficient member. Jim's enthusiasm for music is only paralleled by his passion for sports. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jim has been a resident of the Bay Area since the early 70's. His interest in music knows no barriers and at one time in his career he was a member of a band that played only Mexican music. His wild, exuberant personality lies in perfect contrast to that of Max Haskett, the mellow introspective, pipe-smoking, trumpet player of RUBICON. Max's soaring vocal range and sensitive interpretation of material makes him the choice to handle the greatest portion of the singing. Max was born and bred in the Bay Area an has been part of its music scene for many years. Most recently he was a member of Lydia Pense and Cold Blood and recorded several albums. Together these seven musicians form RUBICON, a new direction and innovative expression of what they care about -- music.
Rubicon did two albums, Rubicon (1978) and America Dreams (1979). For more on the careers of Jack Blades and Brad Gillis after Rubicon, see Ellen's Night Ranger Page and the links on that page. To see what Dennis Marcellino has been doing, visit his page, Lighthouse Publishing.
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band member pictures from Rubicon (1st album)