Those that have followed the band will know that Rufus Stone, based in their home town of Southampton, has been around since late 1984. After all this time you would expect that some of the sparkle would have gone, not a bit. They still have the same distinctive sound, which ensures that they get the maximum involvement from their audience. Over the years they have built a loyal following and it is this support that has kept the band not only on the road, but still as soulful as when they started.

The music is authentic funk/soul with selections from The Blues Brothers, The Commitments, and Tower of Power, but the bulk of the set comes from the soul greats such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye and many others.

During their time together there have been a number of highlights that include support to some of the top soul artists like Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Curtis Mayfield, Geno Washington, Ben E. King, and Gloria Gaynor.

"Souled As Seen" was the band's second album release, coming some 10 years after the first, which featured twelve top soul covers and one original composition written by the band. The album was recorded in 1997 at the Nomansland Studio on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.

Their third album, "Follow the Sign", was released in December 2006 and is comprised of two CD's. The first captures the band live at The Brook during the 2005 New Years Eve party, and the second is a studio recording of their favourite songs from the set. Recorded and produced at Aubitt Studio it took 18 months to complete and reflects a new direction for the band following the recent change of line-up.

Rufus Stone are Malc Eyers (vocals), Anthony Haikney (drums), Solly Read (bass and vocals), Keith Loader (guitar and vocals), Graham Holt (keyboards), Mark Wilkinson (sax and vocals), Ian Luxford (trombone), and Jan Zawada (trumpet).

The band has been as busy as ever gigging throughout the country, so if you haven't seen or heard Rufus Stone yet then give yourself a treat!