User talk:Rio Lawrence

Bassist, Writer, Composer, Producer, Musician, Musical Director, and Philosopher.

Rio, a creative and versatile bassist, has been holding the groove down for many years.

Rio was born in St. Louis, Missouri. The youngest of four growing up in the 70’s funk era, he was influenced by music at an early age. Rio’s home was typically filled with music, as his mother was a singer for the church choir and a brother that played guitar. Rio picked up on the correlation between music and the mood it creates, long before picking up an instrument, He also saw it as a viable vehicle for self-expression that would counter his shyness. He began following various artist/Bands such as Sly & the Family Stone, Parliament/Funkadelic, Earth, Wind, and Fire. He was initially drawn to the drums, which he played in his elementary school band as well as the trumpet. As his brother would share with him what he knew on the guitar until it became obvious that Rio was more interested learning bass lines. Rio felt “that’s where the groove is at” so at his brother’s suggestion he pursued the bass guitar.

Rio told everyone that would listen that he knew how to play bass guitar even before he ever touched one, including a neighborhood band of childhood friends. At the age of 12, he received his first bass. Within a few weeks he went to that very same band and played for them. They were so impressed they asked Rio to join them. He performed at many elementary school talent shows, graduation, and house parties. His talent and discipline took him to Visual and Performing Arts High School were he studied music, drama, and stage production. At 16 he was accepted into The Honors Music Program, which was sponsored by the St. Louis Symphony for promising young musicians. During his time in the program, he studied classical music on the Double Bass, Violin, and Piano. Rio had begun making a name for his self around town and touring the Midwest with several local bands. One of those bands garnered the attention of the Bar-Kays and Luther Ingram, which lead to session work with the two legendary artists. Later, he would work with jazz artist Oliver Sain.

Rio made arrangements to move to sunny Hollywood, CA and attend Musician’s Institute to refine his playing technique, study reading, theory, and harmony. He soon broke into the LA music scene. Rio went on to perform with artists Delfonics, Appolonia, and Elisa Fiorello. In addition to live performances and music videos, he made several television appearances with various artists such as Arsenio Hall Show, The Party Machine, Soul Train, Live at The Apollo, Rick Dee’s, MTV, and BET.

He collaborated with guitarist/songwriter Ken Williams forming the Production team Williams & Lawrence. Their collaboration with vocalist Vista Williams lead to a Publishing contract with Almo Irving and later with Sony Music Group They wrote and/or produced songs for Norman Brown, 3rd Avenue, For Real, Vanity and for the movies Deep Cover and Be ..Be.. Kids. For the next few years Rio has performed and/or Recorded with West Side Goon Squad, Monifah, Michel’le, Freddy Jackson. Rio’s versatile style can be heard on the recordings of Patti LaBelle’s certified gold release “Flame”, Eric Benet.. “True to myself”, Davina “Best of Both Worlds”, and Mercedes “ Above the Mud” as well as a few Coca-Cola commercials.

Rio toured with Kevon Edmonds in conjunction with the release of his debut CD 24/7. Truth Hurts to do the Smoking Groove Tour along with Outkast, The Roots, Lauren Hill and Jurassic 5 to promote her hit single “Contagious” feat. Rakim, which included an appearance on The Late Show with Jay Leno. For the past ten years, Rio performs with the World Famous 70’s cover band The Funky Hippeez, as well as 80’s cover band Jeri Curl.

He recently toured with American Idol star, Clay Aiken to promote his debut CD Measure of a Man, which included TV appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres Show, ABC Morning American, CBS Morning Show, The View, Billboard Awards, and American Music Awards. American Idol Christmas Special, AOL Sessions, MTV TRL, and MTV TRL New Years Eve Blast, to name a few.

In 2004 Rio joined the metal band Wicked Wisdom who opened for Britney Spears on her European tour. A tour with Powerman 5000 followed. In 2005, while doing a show at the Viper Room, Hollywood star Sharon Osborne approached the band with an offer to do Ozzfest. Wicked Wisdom joined the Ozzfest tour and was included in the Ozzfest 10th year Anniversary Video. Following Ozzfest they toured with Sevendust and Nonpoint promoting their Self-Titled CD, Wicked Wisdom. The album was released 2/21/06 followed with two videos and several TV appearances such as The Late Show with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Call with Carson Daly, MTV Headbangers Ball, Daily Download, and CD USA. Continuing their busy schedule, the band went on to tour with Hed Pe, Soul Fly, and Alice Cooper as well as appearing at Download Fest Donnington, England, and Dublin, Ireland.

Rio has expanded into composing music for Film and TV and Commercials. Currently in the process of releasing of a solo project it’s safe to say Rio will be holding down the groove for years to come.