Groove – Episode #63: Yolanda Charles

There was a buzz on Yolanda Charles’ bass playing long before Sting chose her for his upcoming tour. Yolanda’s resume is as diverse as her musical tastes. The British musician (and teacher) has played with everyone from Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, Hans Zimmer, Eric Clapton, Sinead O’Connor, and Mick Jagger to being a member of Squeeze (since 2017). With that, she also has her own projects (The Deep Mo, Project PH, and solo shows).

And let’s not forget teaching, which she has done at many bass events as well as solo masterclasses at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Yolanda took up the bass at an early age, and while she was still a teenager she managed to land a gig with Scottish singer/songwriter, Jimmy Somerville (and his band, The Communards). He playing has elements of funk, fusion, rock and everything in between.

Enjoy the conversation…