Rio-band

... was formed about three years ago by Ken Marshall and Charles Talor-Stokes, better known as Tizzy. (We don't know why!) They play acoustic instruments and use influences of latin and world music crossed with popular songs to create Rio.

Recently being joined by Lottie Taylor-Stoakes on vocals and percussion, the band now is even more versatile and appeals across all age groups.

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.

Lottie

...brings female vocals to the party, and along with percussion instruments, is opening new horizons for Rio. She has a great voice and fronts up many of the band's more current songs. With experience in running resteraunts and bars, she has a true understanding of what's required from the venue's point of view.

Guest musicians

... usually Rio work as a guitar, bass, and vocal/percussionist trio. However for specified gigs extra players can be added. This could be drums/percussion, piano, sax, in fact almost anything! All our guest musicians are top performers and they always add a new twist to the set.