By David C. Gross & Tom Semioli "I've never heard of Yolanda Charles..
.who is she?" Such was the retort I received from my Notes From An Artist co-host and dear friend David C. Gross upon my suggestion that we invite Yolanda Charles, one of my favorite players, on our podcast – radio show.
Two bass players with a seven-year age gap can sometimes forge a world of difference, which our listeners detect from time to time from our on-air banter. Cover Photo Courtesy, Giuliano E at Graphik Vision I have learned much from my partnership with my elder David – who looks, thinks, dresses, and acts much younger than I do- such as; the hidden merits of the six-string bass, why Mile Davis' Bitches Brew is indeed monumental on levels I was not aware of, and the best entrees at Mamoun's Falafel on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Oftentimes I educate my homie on the players who came to prominence in the 1990s – the decade wherein Brit Pop was my writer's beat.
I received my review copy of Paul Weller's Live Wood album in late '94 or thereabouts. First move every bass player makes when receiving said product is to check the bass credits! I didn't recognize the name. A compendium of performances in support of the Mod Father's then latest Wild Wood album, I'd never heard of Yolanda Charles either.
I became a fan after the first listen – the combination of rock and roll and soul never fails to captivate this writer. Yolanda is that rarest of players who fortifies her bandleader and si.
