Charles In Charge

I had a great time at the CBC First Play show featuring Tanika Charles but on Friday, her CD release show was even better. One, the Rivoli is possibly the best-sounding small venue in the city. Two, she had an even larger band this time around including horns and back-up singers such as Janelle Monique. With only 1 full-length release, Charles played mostly from the new album although there were a few older songs like Parkdale. With funky beats, lovely harmonies, and even some coordinated dancing, her set evoked that girl-band Motown/soul sound. But with tunes about stealing a jeep and driving away from a farm (and an imploding relationship), she was firmly set in modern times. Charles had a great old-school presence on stage and kept the energy up the whole night. The music was even better live, and that's saying something. Because they are good enough on the CD to get her a Polaris nomination.