Yolanda Charles Project Funk

Bassist Yolanda Charles has a unique combination of creative flair, natural showmanship and amazing technical ability that will mark this performance at the 606 as a truly funk-driven spectacular. Beginning her career performing with the likes of Jimmy Sommerville and bands such as “Raw Stylus” and “Urban Species” she was soon a busy studio player working with artists such as Van Morrison, Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, BB King, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger and Anastasia. As at ease as a composer as playing live it was only a matter of time before she started performing with her own bands. She recorded and released her first album in 2003 under the collective name ‘MAMAYO”, featuring vocalist Carleen Anderson and continued to impress with her band affectionately (and somewhat mysteriously) known as “The Deep Mo”. With the release of her album “Funk in the 3rd Corner” in 2012 Yolanda cemented her place as one of the foremost funk/fusion artists in the UK. The brand new band that Yolanda is bringing to the Club this evening has been aptly named "Project Funk", outlining a commitment to perform mainly unknown funk gems and unearth classic B-sides buried within funk albums from yesteryear. She is ably supported tonight by one of the most exciting upcoming singers in the country, Holly Petrie (Beverly Knight, Alexandra Burke, Omar) as well as the instrumental brilliance of Alex Bennett (Corinne Bailey Rae) on keyboards, Rob Harris (Jamiroquai) on guitar and Gareth Brown (Donna Summer) on drums. This promises to be one serious evening of jazz fusion at its very best.

“…she can fly and….her soulful runs are a joy to hear” BluesandSoul;
“Yolanda Charles, one of the best slap bass players in the UK.” All In London