Something that may not have been talked about much on Vodka is the resurgence of soul music, packaged in the influences of today’s genre’s hair-splitting nuances. Yep. Edmonton Canada’s own Tanika Charles sings soul music. She has the pipes and conviction to sell it as soul. It encompasses so much more than just that one genre’, but in the final analysis, it is soul, and soul that you can get your mind around. Here on the title track to Ms. Charles first long-player, Soul Run (April 2017), she sets the tone for the LPs remaining tracks.   

Sweet Memories has a brief instrumental moment that is, almost but not quite jazz. More Than A Man is a bit of fun, but you may find yourself scratching your head at the style because this track more than some doesn’t fit neatly within a style-and that’s a good thing! In fact, if anything stands out throughout the long player, it’s how each song takes you in a different direction. Money has this little doo-wop background tune, which Tanika juxtaposes with a more straight melody and vocal and a bit of spoken word thrown in for good measure. 

Perhaps the most compelling thing about Soul Run is the fact that it /is/ compelling. The listener can’t wait to find out what she does next, and just about the time you think you have her pegged, she switches things up a bit to make you listen all the harder. 

So take this opportunity to flesh out your music collection with a bit of genre’ defying soul from an artist with an attitude that is infectious and a voice that is powerful and wonderful. You can find more information on Tanika Charles by heading on over to her nicely configured website. It includes a link back to her bandcamp.com site, (or just click that link). Check out Tanika Charles now!