Joe Natale - lead, rhythm guitar, vocals

Joe’s love for music began at an early age. Growing up, music was all around him. His father was an accomplished accordion player, playing many Italian standards with his band in many of the clubs of New York City and Brooklyn. His mother could sing the dictionary. His sister played the guitar and his oldest brother Sal, played the bass. In grade school he began his musical training with the trumpet and played in the school band and jazz ensembles. His understanding of music at this point was limited only to Italian standards and classic American standards. This would soon change.
   

His big brother, Sal , would introduce Joe to Rock and Roll. It was all over from here. His world was opened up. He became consumed with the guitar and the incredible sounds that came from this instrument. Forbidden by his sister to touch her prized instrument; the guitar, he ignored the warning and began to sneak into her room to play her guitar. That continued for about a month until he got caught. The fun was over and his love would have to wait.

Two years later at the age of 16, Joe convinced some poor sucker to trade his guitar for a beat up harmonica that Joe would toy around on . He brought it home and did not let go of that guitar for the next two years. At 18 years of age he joined his first band. Since then, he has hit the stage with rock bands, blues bands, funk bands, variety bands and dare I say country bands, he’s done it all.  The future looks bright as he begins a new chapter in his musical life.               

Visit him at his own site here.

Maurice Rhodes – bass

Maurice started his musical career at a young age in the San-Fanscisco Bay Area, surrounded by such influnces as Sly & The Family Stone, Santana, Tower of Power and other great bands of the era.  After learning music fundamental on piano Maurice gave woodwinds and Brass instruments a try, but it wasn't until the musical explosion of the 70's that Bass Guitar became his main focus.

Maurice then played with a number of popular San-Francisco dance and show bands. In Florida you may have heard him with Rhythm Express.

After years of experience and study, Maurice crafted his own specific sound and approach to bass playing. Super Sonic Tones and Primal Rhythms drive Maurice's bass and will provide a real treat for your ears and feet. He likes different styles of music, Latin and Smooth, but the Funky stuff is his comfort zone.

Dan O'Hara - keyboards, vocals

Dan O’Hara has been a performing musician for most of his life.  His initial public performance was on a local television variety show in Pittsburgh, PA in 1965 at the age of eleven.  Since then he has performed with countless rock and jazz bands, church bands – even klezmer bands!  Along the way he has earned degrees in music from the University of North Texas and USF and has been privileged to work with many first rate musicians.

Here in Tampa he has performed with projects fronted by Denise Moore, Freddie Montes, Steve Semmel and most recently the Gulf Coast Jazz Quartet.  His abiding love for music has led him through many styles, but he has decided to return to his roots in R&B and funk.  “I love the funk,” says Dan.  “Playing this music and watching people have fun dancing and listening is truly a soul satisfying experience!”

Ric Santiago - saxophone, percussion, vocals

Born and raised in New York City, Ric began playing music by age 13 at dances, restaurants and social events. Through high school he performed with some of the tri-state area's best young, soul and r&b bands; all comprised of some of today’s recognized artists, musicians and producers.

While attending college Ric became involved in New York's salsa and merengue scene which led him to perform nationally as well as through some of the Caribbean and Latin America. He later graduated from the City University of New York with degrees in music. His culturally diverse personal and professional background has enabled him to perform with acts in styles ranging from funk, soul and r&b, to latin, jazz and pop. Instrument repair courses with the 319th Army Band with combined apprentice studies, laid the groundwork for an ongoing career working with students teachers and pros, that includes serving as resident brass and woodwind technician with Sam Ash music and Gigliotti Woodwinds.

Over the years some of his other associations, affiliations and stints include those with Millie Puente, Eric Darius, BK Jackson, Dayve Stewart, John Purcell, David Sanborn, Ben E. King Jr., Fausto Rey, Jose Alberto, Alex Bueno, The Cadillacs, Johnny Maestro, The Del Vikings, and Vito and the Salutations to name a few...and now Solid Core!