Civil Rite
Torrell Ruffin - guitar, vocals
Jai Dillon - bass
Satnam Ramgotra - drums
Civil Rite was founded by Torrell Ruffin as an outlet for his creative energy, constantly stifled by the constraints of the music industry, its attempt to conform session players into certain genres. While the title of the band invokes political messages, the scope of their music reaches further, incorporating 'witticism and lively ruckus. Torrell Ruffin developed a successful music career by recording and performing with a variety of Billboard and Grammy award winning artists. His accomplishments include co-production with Capitol, RCA and BMG Records, as well as national and worldwide touring. His list of accomplishments include being a featured- guitar player on Dionne Ferris' latest album and music video; touring with Morris Day and The Time; writing, recording and touring with Me'Shell Ndege'Ocello and recording with Michael Jackson. With the help of his band-mates, Tori focuses on the songwriting which fuels Civil Rite's eclectic, yet hard sounds. Being exposed early on to a wide variety of musical influences from Jimi Hendrix to John Coltrane, Tori announces Civil Rite as the vanguard of an innovative yet familiar sound.
Jai Dillon's career started at an early age as a multi talented instrumentalist. He has since achieved recognition as an outstanding bass player through his performances with a variety of groups throughout Los Angeles. His accomplishments include playing with such artists as Brownstone and Alanis Morisette.
Through a lifetime of musical development, Satnam Ramgotra's introduction to the Los Angeles music scene began at the Percussion Institute of Technology, here he studied with L.A.'s foremost studio drummers. He is currently studying under the great Indian Tabla Legend, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. Satnam's expertise with Tabla, drums and percussion has enabled him to tour and record with such artists as Steve Vai, Boxing Ghandis, Mike Keneally and Kevin Gilbert, as well as a number of LA's top musicians.