Rio

» Profile

Rio offer an acoustic 'live' sound. Their presentation is professional, the sound equipment is compact requiring less space to setup and their sound quality is exceptional. They have their own public liability insurance and the sound equipment is PAT tested, both a requirement at most venues. The duo can be expanded to a trio or four-piece band including keyboards, saxophone and percussion.

They create the right atmosphere for the occasion. Never too loud and always willing to take direction from the organizer or host. With Rio it's not just about performing but also about making the function a success. With years of experience entertaining, this band is an excellent choice for most occasions.

Rio play acoustic instruments to create a natural sound to complement the Latin Swing rhythms. Their repertoire is a delicious mix of latin and popular music, standards to Santana. You can't help tapping your feet to their music. This is truly an original band. Not to be missed.

Rio was formed about two years ago by Ken Marshall and Charles Taylor-Stokes, better known as Tizzy. (We don’t know why!) They have known each other since the early eighties and their musical paths have crossed on a number of projects including ‘The Skodas’ an extremely popular Hampshire band that supported Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in it’s early days. They both have turned to more acoustic sounds and use influences of latin and world music crossed with popular songs to create Rio.

Ken was the engineer at Mungo Jerry’s recording studio doing albums with Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac and Vincent Crane of Atomic Rooster as well as being a touring member of the band. Before this he was musical director for Tommy Hunt, a Northern Soul singer with hits in the mid seventies. Ken writes and plays many styles of music, guitar being his first instrument with additional keyboards and harmonica.

Tizzy had been the major writer in ‘more projects than I care to remember’ including Tomorrows Party, The Bike Thieves, and Men of Straw. Tizzy mainly plays bass, but sometimes adds 6 string acoustic or dobro for variety, he has the ability to make almost anything swing, which is a great bonus in Rio.

Third member Martin Kruit is an accomplished musician playing acoustic guitar, saxophone and the all important percussion for this music. His vocals add to the harmonies to create a rich sound. He carries a wealth of experience having performed around the world. Martin also had his own music production company in South Africa in the 90's writing and producing for radio and TV.

Member number four is on keyboards and added for those occasions requiring 'the full monty'.

» Song List

• Oye Como Va
• Jamming
• Smooth
• La Bamba
• Something Got Me Started
• Moondance
• Speed Of Sound
• Route 66
• Wave
• One Note Samba
• Fever
• Classical Gas
• Girl From Ipenema
• Fragile
• Blue Bossa
• Midnight At The Oasis
• ...and Many More!

» Testimonials

RIO provided the entertainment supporting a day of dinghy racing at Portchester Sailing Club. Competing with a barbeque and fine summer weather, they judged their audience to perfection, modifying their set to 3 sessions with each one building the volume and the atmosphere. Their energy and enthusiasm was infectious, and their musical prowess and professionalism ensured a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event. Portchester Sailing Club will be looking to book RIO again next year.”
- Richard Caws, Social Secretary, Portchester Sailing Club

“'Rio Duo' thank you very much for playing at our Sundowners Launch party last Friday, the music was great as expected.... and really fitted in well with our Latino style. The atmosphere was... as we say, 'every day’s a holiday at Coco Rio'. See you soon.”
- Debbie Kruit, Owner Of Coco Rio Restaurant

“Rio always deliver an excellent and varied performance. They are very adaptable and always willing to work with our staff. I can happily recommend them.”
- Lotti Taylor-Stoakes, Manageress Of The George, Petersfield

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