(Taking Blondie to a new level)
Devonshire born Nina has performed from an early age. From the lead singer of a jazz band, to rocking out with RUSO. When Nina joined as lead vocalist she brought the band to new heights of performance.
With Nina on centre stage the band has a Star, taking us back to our roots of soul, rock classics and putting her own mark on present day hits which makes the band perfect for all occasions and ages.
Nina's strong, sultry, deep vocals have been compared to a wide selection of female artists such an Anastasia, Blondie and Alanis Morrisette. However, Nina is a unique vocalist in her own right putting her own interpretation on classic and modern hits. A confident and experienced professional Nina brings great entertainment value to every gig.
She is your host for the night, giving a mixture of sounds, which makes a show stopping combination of raw live talent with a personality that rocks.
(Leggy Brunette)
Backing the band…. Amy has a grown up in a life of music, her father an avid music lover, introduced all of his family to a wide variety of music from many genres and many styles. Growing up with this being a big part of her life, Amy always felt compelled by how music made her feel.
A true performer from a very young age, mainly as a dancer, she has always been used to the bright lights and the stage, once seen never forgotten.
She brings glamour and style with her presence and loves being part of the electrifying act Ruso produce for their audience.
As our backing vocalist, Amy has developed confidence and in turn her own style which gives an edge and compliments Nina's voice to the highest level.
"A true friendship mirrored by true harmonies
Working together to entertain you".
has been playing in rock bands since The Beatles and was a founder member of Alliance, the successful Leicestershire rock band of the 1980’s. Yes, he goes back that far but he’s worn well, even without surgery! (The lack of height is unfortunately, terminally incurable).
Bob provides the male vocal aspect in RUSO and happily thunders out the vocals whist playing piano, brass and strings parts simultaneously.
A classically trained pianist to the highest level, he’s taught, lectured and tutored countless numbers of musicians and, although he’s directed classical opera, oratorio and orchestras, he’s equally at home when composing and directing stage musicals, rock opera, pop songs and bands. He’s even been a church organist in his time! As the MD of RUSO, with his wealth of experience, he steers the exceptional skills and talents of the rest of the band. He’s a mean keyboard player too!
is the foundation of the powerful RUSO drum sound. He’s worked with many artists and bands, playing a variety of styles from punk through heavy-metal, to folk, big band jazz, show bands and strict tempo dance. His experience includes much studio and recording work. In addition, he’s also made a number of TV appearances and done recording sessions for Radio 2 and local radio stations. Neil is also known for being one of the inventors of the Ecobutton and is a winner of several recent National and Europeam awards for business.
His albums released whilst he was with the heavy rock band Manitou now fetch fine prices on eBay.
- of the very flash cowboy boots and bandana (but equally at home in his super sized DJ) provides lead guitar. A background in song-writing and rock performance is embellished with extensive studio experience. Ray is also a very experienced blues-rock player with a powerful technique and a sweet touch.
The mainstay of his playing is on a 1979 Odyssey Signature of which only 4 exist. As Dave Gilmour and Bryan Adams apparently account for two of the other three owners of these rare instruments, he’s in good company. In the photo he is seen sporting his beloved hand-crafted Palm Bay Superstrat.
The band's technical wizard, Ray makes everything work and if it doesn't he will fix it on the spot.
- The Tivster
Tiv has put in 30 odd years as a bass player and has played just about every style from pop, soul, rock, jazz, big band and pit orchestras to playing in musicals and pantos. " Oh no you haven't, oh yes i have!"
An accomplished sight reader (of music) and capable of performing at a pro standard from a score. This level of skill provides a firm foundation for the tight sound of RUSO. Tiv also teaches bass and six string guitar.
In addition, Tiv is an expert brass player with a specialty in Tuba. Teach brass playing to budding musicians is yet another side to this expert musician.
Tiv has appeared playing live on TV (in his younger days) and has also made radio recordings. He loves the chilled out approach to RUSO's style and apart from being the band's built in comedian his enthusiasm for music inspires everybody.
Tiv's original 1970s MusicMan Stingray bass, which was purchase at the grand old age of 18, is a prized possesion and this beautiful vintage instrument produces a huge sound and is the envy of any bass player.
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