Ron Belcher - Bass
Cedricke Dennis - Guitar
Darrell Green - Drums
Tammy Hall - Piano
Charles McNeal - Saxophone
Influences
Black Music, Sister Collier and The Calvary Baptist Church Choir of Los Angeles, Blanche Laws McConnell, Rugenia Taylor, Didi Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Ray Charles, Al Green, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Syreeta Wright, Sammy Davis Jr., The Beatles, The Friends of Distinction, The Fifth Dimension, Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66, Hank Crawford, Ahmad Jamal, Laura Nyro, The Originals, Jesse Belvin, Louis Armstrong, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Holland, Dozier, Holland, Gamble and Huff, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Chaka Kahn, Nancy Wilson, The Emotions, Phillipe Wynn, The Isley Brothers, Norman Whitfield, Patti Austin, Ashford and Simpson, The Ojays, Minnie Riperton, The dj's from LA who played the music, Larry McCormick,The Magnificent Montaque, Levi Booker, Hunter Hancock and TV music men, Dick Clark and Don Cornelius.
With a voice described as sweet, sultry, like caramel sweetened with honey, vocalist Rhonda Benin is enjoying a full and versatile musical career. Rhonda began her career as a member of the Los Angeles based jazz trio Sound of Soul. After winning the prestigious Hollywood Bowl, Battle of the Bands, Rhonda went on to make a career as background vocalist having appeared on over 100 recordings.
In 1989 after working with singer Maria Mauldar, Rhonda moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she branched into theatre with ACTs production of GOSPEL AT COLONUS and, The Oakland Ensemble Theatres MLK WE ARE THE DREAM. She also collaborated with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela on Dimensions Dance Theatres production of PEOPLE OF THE ZOZOS.
Rhonda is a founding member of Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir (CHC), an internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble performing African American roots music. The group has toured over 13 countries. In 1997 CHC was nominated for a GRAMMY for their CD, Shakin a Tail Feather with bluesmen Taj Mahal and Eric Bibb. In 2001, the group released The California Music Awards nominated Say Yo Business, featuring Wilson Pickett, Richie Havens and Odetta. Rhonda also appears on the groups recordings, Good Time, A Good Time, Hippity Hop and Front Porch Music. Rhonda has shared the stage with noted musical artists including Patti Austin, Janis Ian, The Holmes Brothers, Jackson Brown, Sweet Honey In The Rock, and international superstars, Baba Maal, James Keelaghan, Habib Koite, and Rokia Traore´
In 1995 Rhonda formed her own band called Soulful Strut. My band has been described as a jazz band drenched in soul with a solid helping of the blues. Recorded live at Emeryville's Expressions New Media School, Rhonda's first solo CD, "A Matter of the Heart", is a classic mix of jazz, blues, and soul. Along with her stunning vocals, "A Matter of the Heart", showcases Bay Area musicians, Charles McNeal, Tammy Hall, Ron Belcher, Darrell Green, Cedricke Dennis and Joey Truso. A Matter of the Heart, written by Benin, features a classic vocal/bass duet with veteran musician, composer and music guru Harley White.
In addition Rhonda is a sought after vocalist and can also be heard on recordings by Mickey Hart, Carlos Santana, Maria Mauldar, Holly Near, and Eric Bibb. Radio and television credits include, Live Aide, Real Sex, Safeway and the California Lottery. In November 2005 Rhonda's, vocals found a permanent home in the new Museum of The African Diaspora in San Francisco.
For booking information call (510) 834-5932 or email: rbenin@pacbell.net
If you cant sing a song, let BeninSing It!Get your myspace layouts at MyPsace.org
Thank you kindly my dear one. Here's the link to the video of the tune. I miss you too and wish all to often that I were still living in the bay area. Truly one of the most lovely places on the planet.
LADIES NIGHT THIS SATURDAY IN CONCORD AT AJ's SPORTS BAR. GREAT FOOD, COOL DRINKS AND THE BEST BLUES AND SOUL DANCE TUNES. COME KICK-OFF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WITH THE BIG CAT AND TIA CARROLL. WWW. AJSPORTSPUB. COM
Rhonda Ms Lady what can I say about Monday night what a show, what song's what a dress. A voice from God I'm so thankful for you keep the music coming. Yoshi's Jazz Club & Restaurant here we are last year. I think I was going be the open for you lol
Rhonda Benin My singing sister I've been so busy I miss you so much I play your cd all the time I'm so thankful for the music and seeing you live a few time's I have so much to tell I will be posting your show.
Tammy Lynne Hall played for Melba Moore & Darlene Love show was the best ever.
My Long Time Buddy Art from DC you talk about some sanging.
THANK YOU 4 THE ADD MY COMPANY IS HURRICANE ENT. WE ARE AN INTERNET LABEL. I RAP SING AND PRODUCE. I HAVE AN ALBUM OUT ON ITUNES ZUNE AMAZON & OTHER INTERNET SITES I'M LOOKIN TO WORK WITH NEW UNSIGNED ARTIST. IF YOU NEED BEATS, FEATURES OR WANT TO SEND SOME MUSIC LET ME KNOW. PLEASE RATE MY MUSIC ON THOSE SITES OR JUST LEAVE A COMMENT I HAVE VIDEOS ON YOU TUBE ALSO. AND CAN SUPPORT MY ALBUM IF YOU CAN. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. THANKS AGAIN 4 YOUR FRIENDSHIP.
dear rhonda! nice to see you here... the other day i was remembering with a chuckle when a long time ago you said to me, lily when are you gonna get a big head... :) it was very sweet. love and best wishes to you, lily
