The room was sold out. For the next two hours Ralph Dudley entertained everyone with twelve songs from his new CD, SouLatino. He had an all- star band of musicians backing him up who have played with the likes of Marc Anthony, Poncho Sanchez, and Mongorma, to name a few: Sandy Stein, keys/Musical Director, Joey De Leon, conga, Ramon Flores, trumpet, Mike McGuffy, trumpet, Steve Hornell, baritone sax, Genner Lopez, timbales & drums, Leonard Luna, trombone, Papo Rodriguez, bongo, Eddie Resto, bass, and Deena Russo, background vocals. There were also three guest Artists: Vocalists: Bobby Rivas and Denorah Klinger, plus keyboardist, Gail Jhonson.

Kicking off the night, Ralph Dudley broke into “SouLatino” with his deep resonant voice, followed by the dynamic pulse of the band. He sang about SouLatino as if the music was his muse, his lover, his heart and soul. “SouLatino” is close to my heart because it began my writing for this genre of music. It’s a R&B/Latin/ a bit of a Rap. The music becomes…My Lady. It’s my inspiration so I speak in those terms,” Ralph Dudley had previously commented in an interview.

Slipping into a Luther Vandross song next, the audience heard, “I Want You Back…” that captured the romantic spirit with a sweet, rhythmic beat that swung Latin style.

When Gail Jhonson took the stage, she lent her golden fingers and sharp keyboard playing to the song, “Georgy Porgy,” A flood of improvisation flowed out of her hands as she and the band kicked the song into high gear. However, a magical moment occurred when Gail and Ralph played a duet on the keys, to a new romantic ballad written by the Mr. SouLatino. The room fell silent and the air fluttered first with a luscious vibe, which then turned into a passionate reverie. Both Gail and Ralph knew they had a hit song on their hands when the audience broke out into thunderous applause.