About the core band members...

Grammy-nominated guitarist Joaquin Lievano (lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, harmonica, bass), born in Bogota, Colombia, first gained international recognition as guitarist with Jazz-Fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. That three-year association resulted in several world tours and four albums, including Cosmic Messenger. Joaquin has also worked extensively as a band member, studio musician and solo artist with a host of musicians including American Idol's Randy Jackson, New Age star Yanni, Sheila E., Journey's Steve Smith, Grammy winning producers Narada Michael Walden and Walter Afanasieff, and many jazz artists such as Airto Moreira, Harvey Mason, Gerald Albright and Rodney Franklin. His interest in electronic music led to One Mind (Global Pacific/Sony), his acclaimed solo debut, which stayed on the Radio & Records charts for several weeks in Jazz, Adult Contemporary, R&B and New Age, and continues to be a popular choice for source music throughout the world. His second solo recording, Ecologie (Miramar/BMG) in 1996 was lauded by Billboard magazine for its "gorgeous melodies," "lyricism" and "broad tonal palette." Lievano placed fourth on the list of the "Best 25 Artists of 1996" in the nationally-syndicated radio program, Echoes. His work with Dixie Dregs' bassist Andy West in the band Zazen inspired Jazziz Magazine to call their albums “on a par with the best work of such innovators as Tangerine Dream.”

Scott Harris (keyboards, vocals) has played with many groups live and in the studio. He formed the band Heresy, voted one of Long Island's top bands by the readers of Good Times magazine. Heresy also released two independent albums, one with guest guitarist Steve Vai. Scott co-wrote Heresy’s music with fellow independent artist Tony Garone. Scott has also played keyboards in Jethro Tull tribute shows, including performances at conventions where he played with members of that band. More recently, he has played with Joaquin Lievano in Zazen, in performances in New York, Miami, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Scott also plays keyboards with Rat Race Choir, a tristate area favorite for over thirty years, the 70s progressive rock band Apostle, and the Brazilian band Mysturo Samba.

As the niece of 40s/50s singer/actress Mindy Carson, Randi Karson (lead vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar) has strong musical and entertainment roots. Randi first performed in local musical theater, including a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and in Peter Link’s “Burnin’ Up – One Hot Concert” at the Stamford Theater. As a lyricist, she has received two honorable mentions in Billboard songwriting contests. She recently co-wrote and recorded a jingle featured at Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s “We Mean Business” Expo. She has sung lead and backup vocals in numerous original and cover bands since the 1980s, performing pop, rock, and hard rock throughout the tristate area. 

Additional Musicians - What Size Band Suits Your Event?

RSVP is available with a wide range of additional top-notch musicians to provide whatever look and sound you desire! Here is some information to help you choose which additional musicians would be best for your event. Click each link for bios of the additional musicians we typically use, subject to location and availability.

DRUMS/PERCUSSION: This is the most common addition to the group, when a strong dance band is requested. While we can provide a good dance group using pre-programmed electronic percussion, nothing beats having a live drummer. However, we continue to offer the pre-programmed drums for situations where budget, stage space, or volume is an issue. Unlike many bands, however, RSVP with a live drummer does not mean it has to be loud! We can crank it if you want, but we can also keep volume very manageable. But if you need to keep it very quiet, we can play more quietly with the electronic drums than with a live drummer.

SAX/FLUTE & BRASS: This provides a bigger sound and a little extra touch of class. A single player is enough for many events, though if you like music with a lot of brass, we can also provide two and three piece brass sections.

BASS GUITAR: The bass provides the full bottom end for the music. In smaller configurations, Scott covers the bass parts using keyboards. However, adding a bass guitar player provides a bigger sound, and allows Scott to have both hands free for richer keyboard arrangements.

ADDITIONAL VOCALISTS: If you're looking for a larger band, additional lead vocalists have become more popular, providing more variety to the sound, a bigger sound with more vocal harmonies, and a more engaging look.

Additional Vocalists

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