Event: RIO SOUL Concert
Place: Knitting Factory in NYC's SoHo
Date: Friday Nov. 21st, 2003
Players: Rio (lead vocals), James Gardner (lead guitar, backing vox), Andra Hines (keys & backing vox), Stevie Martin (bass & backing vox), Kenwood Anderson (drums) and Sean "Barney Ruble" Thomas (keys & backing vocals)

Los Angeles band RIO SOUL rolled into NYC to showcase their stellar brand of funk/r&b and to premeire songs from their forthcoming CD, "The Cure". Those that were in attendance were not disappointed as they were treated to an hour plus of awesome musicanship and vocals. First off, Rio Soul has the perfect package of great musicians and singers and the talent to put on a stageshow. This combination is rare these days to see in a live setting.

Rio, who possesses great vocals and stage presence, started off by the show by stating that she does't like to use a mic stand and it was shown the exit door. We knew the party was on and Rio Soul mixed songs from their debut CD and also from the new '" The Cure" CD. Particular highlights included the new songs, "Feel It" and "Free". The band also showed a deep respect for the forebearers of funk by including a snippet of Funkadelic's "(Not Just) Knee Deep" in one of their tunes and also a great version of the Gap Band's "Outstanding" sung by Sean Thomas.

Rio Soul is a band that one can get excited about. They possess great musical chops and display that onstage. If the preview of the songs from "The Cure" are an indication of the strength of the new release, any funkster must have this in their collection on Dec. 9th. Word has it that Rio Soul will be back in East in the early part of the spring of 2004 for a lengthier tour. For all the latest Rio Soul CD ordering and toru info, please go to www.riosoul.com.

Much love and respect to Rio Soul for their friendliness and support. Couldn't have met nicer people.