The Real Live Show

I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4Formed in New York City in 2001, The Real Live Show is comprised of the industry’s most accomplished and talented artists, each with a distinct musical styling. As a collective unit of 2 lyricists/emcees and a 7-piece jazz/funk ensemble, they have created an inspiring new urban sound called funk-hop. Think of them as The Roots infused with elements of Parliament/Funkadelic, De La Soul and Outkast. When they perform, their onstage synergy and charisma results in a mind blowing musical experience that can only be called The Real Live Show.
They have performed with influential acts such as Talib Kweli, Norah Jones, De La Soul, Dead Prez, Rakim, and Roy Hargrove and have an established fan base ranging from New York to Paris and everywhere in between. They have an independently distributed album, a video that premiered on MTV-U in 2004, and even a nationally televised commercial for Pontiac that featured their song “Energy”.
Stimulus, Ian Lawrence, is not only an accomplished emcee but is also one of New York’s most requested DJ’s. In addition to spinning at elite venues like Lot 61, Lotus, Shine and Cheetah, Stim has rocked parties in Hong Kong and Brazil. His on-point, crystal clear delivery provides a tasteful counterpoint to Dionysos’s tone and lyrical perspective. He has performed with Blackstar to Brazilian Girls, to name a few. The Brooklyn native graduated from Vassar and recently released a solo album.
Dionysos, Malik Slemne Burke, is a consummate artists with a college degree from Lawrenceville. He is an OBIE nominated actor, writer, and director for off-Broadway productions and independent films. In 2003, Dio earned multiple cable awards for his copywriting and voice-over work with HBO. His work as a singer and emcee has taken him across the globe to destinations in Europe and South America.
Taurus Mateen is known in the jazz world as a genius on bass and his contributions to The Real Live Show uphold this reputation. Also skilled on the guitar and piano, Taurus is one of the most requested performance and studio bassists for R&B and hip-hop artists and has worked with superstars like The Fugees, De La Soul, Common, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Ice Cube, Ghostface, and The Roots. He has worked with Ms. Hill as a producer, bassist, and Musical Director (MD), and has recorded 5 songs with Christina Aguilera including the hit single “Fighter”.
Joe Blaxx is one of New York City’s hottest drummers. Hailing from Queens, Blaxx’s high-speed and precise beats lay the groundwork for The Real Live Show’s funky hip-hop vibe. He has played with respected musicians including Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Bruce Williams, Marc Cary, Me’shell Ndegéocello, Wynton Marsalis, and Walter Blanding.
Raymond Angry is among the most sought-after keyboardists in live music because of his capacity as a classical and jazz pianist. Ray’s ease for both improvisation and sampling infuses the The Real Live Show’s sound with the highest caliber of funk and jazz. He has toured as MD for Ms. Hill, Joss Stone, and most recently, Jay-Z on his upcoming “American Gangster” tour. He has played with artists like Me’shell Ndegéocello, Mick Jagger, Wynton Marsalis, and Mary J. Blige, and also co-wrote Christina Aguilera’s “Slow Down Baby.”
Chris Rob, on keys and vocals, contributes a generous helping of soul to the band’s dynamism. A highly interactive performer, Chris succeeds in engaging the audience through feel-good lyrics and melodic compositions rooted in Chi-town soul. He plays multiple instruments in soul, hip-hop, and house contexts, and has worked with producers like Swiss Beatz, DJ Spinna, and Devo Springsteen. He served as MD, keyboardist, and back-up vocalist on John Legend’s "Get Lifted Tour", and has also worked closely with Ms. Hill. His most recent accomplishments include John Legend's “Stereo” and Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”
Maurice “Mo’Betta” Brown, on trumpet, adds the crucial brass element to the band’s sound. A charismatic force on stage, he punctuates beats and bars with innovative horn lines and compelling solos that meld R&B and funk with hard core, high art jazz. Mo has performed with jazz veterans and urban contemporaries including Ellis Marsalis, John Legend, and Kanye West and has recorded with artists ranging from Roy Hargrove to Aretha Franklin. In 2001, he won first place in the National Miles Davis Trumpet Competition. Also a versatile composer and bandleader, he heads a hip-hop/funk quintet called Soul'd U Out. Maurice is has received many accolades for his recent album “Hip to Bop.”
Brooklyn-bred Nachy Bless is an energetic reggae vocalist that contributes a uniquely uplifting and raw element to The Real Live Show. With his talents for composing catchy hooks and appealing jingles, Nachy brings new vocal dimensions to TRLS’s live shows.
LaMazing, known to the band as “the Muse,” is The Real Live Show’s captivating dancer. A mesmerizing presence on stage, her admirable talent enhances the already vibrant production. Whether on bare feet or in heels, LaMae’s interpretive and spontaneous choreography transcends traditional genres of dance and combines the best of classical training with natural flair. Her accomplishments in the dance world speak to her versatility as a performer. She has performed in Broadway's The Lion King, toured the U.S. and Canada with The King and I, appeared on The Chappelle Show, and has also founded a dance group called Audiosuite.