Rio & The Rockabilly Revival

Front woman Rio Scafone is a living contradiction. She is both modern day Rock ‘N Roll angel, brimstone incarnate; She's also the preacher’s daughter meets Bettie-Page-on-a-rampage. She storms the stage with a pure audacity that critics have described as “exhilarating” and “primal.”

The Revival’s music is reminiscent of a whiskey-fueled, Southern revival tent. They are not interested in re-creating music from the 50's but instead draw off the early rock and roll sound that would shape the musical landscape forever. Rockabilly purists looking for a strict replica of yesteryear should look elsewhere. Rio and the Rockabilly Revival revels in old school blues, rock & roll, country swing and gospel influences but a fresh, unique approach.

Critics have described front woman, Rio Scafone as having the slow-burn swagger of a young Elvis Presley, the the wild abandon of Little Richard and the larger than life theatrics and belting vocal style of Freddie Mercury.

"Never one to play by the rules, Scafone has stepped outside the lines of traditional Rockabilly with a fresh, modern sound that openly courts a brand new fan base oceans-wide. The result is a nudging of the old guard and breathing of new life into a genre often known more for it's scene than the music itself." -- Ricco Lanzo, Evolution Hollywood 2015

Taking cues from the founding fathers of Rock ‘N Roll, Rio and the Rockabilly Revival blend it together with modern aesthetics that will satisfy the traditional American Rock ‘N Roll purists and contemporary music lovers alike, coupled with a bombastic live stage show, lush backing vocals and choreography.

“… Rio Scafone is a firebrand; a hell-spitting minx whose core, however, is hope and salvation. And, frankly, enough earthy sex appeal to move tectonic plates. Whipping an audience into a frenzy worthy of a revival tent is akin to water rolling off a duck’s back for Rio and company.” - Tom Stevens, Metro Vibe Magazine

Born into Rock ‘N Roll royalty, Rio came up under her famous uncle, early Rock music pioneer Jack Scott. She carries on the family tradition of serving up spitfire Roots Rock ‘N Soul music. Known for their bombastic live shows, Scafone offers herself up as host for the sin and redemption within us all. With unstoppable energy, their live shows have been dubbed “the Church of Rock ‘N Roll” by critics and fans alike.

“… Scafone’s on stage, twisting, gyrating and owning every inch like some sort of possessed, evangelical-satanic dervish. It’s at once nostalgic performance art, killer show band and a rock ‘n roll wonder.” -Brett Callwood, The MetroTimes

When Rio asked her uncle Jack Scott (The Way I Walk, Goodbye Baby, etc), for his blessing on covering some of his work, he smiled and said, “You do not need my blessing. All I ask is that you make it your own. Give it your own voice, your own style.”

Rio and the entire Revival embraced that sage advice and never looked back.

The Revival includes Junebug Harris on upright bass, Reverend Bobby Black on guitar, and Eric Scabo on Sax. Renee Turner and Kelly Bevez on backing vocals blend with Rio to make harmonies that are at times haunting and spacious, then tight and rich—reminiscent of the Andrew Sisters on an all-night bender.

With three well-received and reviewed albums to their credit, “The Midnight Rebel Sessions,” “Runaway Train” and their latest release, “Testify,” Rio and the Rockabilly Revival have found a fiercely loyal fan base that spans a very wide demographic. Playing clubs, music halls, festivals as well as television and radio shows, the Revival resonates with fans from all walks of life. They continue to rattle cages and gain attention, including endorsements from Gorilla Ears in-ear monitors, Motives Cosmetics, and Frankie C’s clothing lines.

Rio and the Rockabilly Revival’s latest release, “Testify,” as well as their previous albums “Runaway Train” and “The Midnight Rebel Sessions” is available now on all major digital distributors. CDs can be found in select music retailers and online through CDBaby.com and www.RioAndTheRockabillyRevival.com.


Awards:

Josie Music Awards 2018: Entertainer of the Year, Americana

Detroit Music Awards 2015: Outstanding Americana Artist/Group
Detroit Music Awards 2016: Outstanding Americana Artist/Group
Detroit Music Awards 2016: Outstanding Americana Recording

HOUR Magazine: Best of Detroit - 2014 Original Band
HOUR Magazine: Best of Detroit - 2015 Original Band
HOUR Magazine: Best of Detroit - 2016 Original Band

Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists 2014 - Music Connection Magazine (Los Angeles)