Member Bio's
Frankie Sorci - Keyboards and Vocals
A child prodigy, Frankie started playing piano at the age of 4 and become a professional musician by the age of 15. With the help of a penciled in moustache, he was able to gain access to most of the nightclubs in the Sacramento area where he played until hitting the road at the ripe old age of 20.
The next 13 years were spent refining his chops by touring the country with the classical, Spanish guitar group, ‘The Zara’s’ as well as a tour with country singer, Sandy Knox.
In the early 70’s, Frankie re-formed the 50’s pop group, ‘The Playmates’ before forming his own touring group, ’Performance’ that included Sacramento local musicians, Beth Duncan, Bob DeTore and Phillip DeTore.
Although his musical background is quite eclectic, there is a strong, underlying funk that comes through in his music that flavors “A Stones Throw’ and just makes you want to get up and dance.
Jerry Martini - Sax and Vocals
A member of both the Rock and Roll and the Blues Hall’s of Fame, Jerry Martini (aka Papa J) is the original founder of Sly & the Family Stone; calling upon Sly Stone to become the leader of the first inter-racial, multi-gender major American band.
Jerry is an indelible part of music history having played Woodstock, he has also performed with such luminaries as Carlos Santana, Prince and Van Morrison, just to name a few.
Along with Cynthia Robinson and Larry Graham, Jerry toured Europe and the U.S. with Prince’s ‘Jam of The Year’ tour which culminated with the Pay Per View special ‘Rave Un2 2000‘. Jerry appeared on the 2006 Grammy Awards with a cast of all stars in their tribute to Sly & The Family Stone and most recently made a guest appearance with Steven Tyler and Jeff Beck at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas.
Jerry brings to ‘A Stones Throw’, a musicality that can’t be taught. In addition, he is an accomplished songwriter/arranger.
Brian Hack - Guitar and Vocals
A Sacramento based musician, Brian is a high energy lead guitarist & lead singer with years of experience performing at California hotel chains and touring the Nevada Casino Circuit.
Sacramentans may know Brian best from the group ’Madison Avenue’ that he and Frankie formed under the BMI affiliation. Brian completed five recording projects with former members.
Bringing the flovor of blues and rock & roll to 'A Stones Throw', Brian attributes his music career to years of being influenced by blues guitarist and friend, Robben Ford.
Russ Martinez - Drums and Percussion
Russ started playing drums at the age of seven.
At fifteen his first band ‘Reign’ opened the show for Steppenwolf and Three Dog Night at Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium.
In 1977, after playing the Sacramento valley club circuit for several years, Russ opened his own night club, Bitter Creek Tavern, showcasing some of the best bands in Northern California.
Russ toured with the ‘Rutabaga Boogie Band’ from 1981-2006 and is now the dynamic, driving force in the sound of ‘A Stones Throw’.
Mark Marsh - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Meet Mark Marsh, the newest member of A Stones Throw.
Mark knew he wanted to play bass when he saw Paul McCartney on TV in the early 1960's and has been holding down the bass slot continuously, since the age of 15, for bands that include
The Miracles, The Contours, Sonny Turner, and
The Briefcase Full of Blues.
With the skill and ease to lay down rock, blues, funk, county, R & B and jazz grooves, Mark brings diversity to AST.