SO_CO

SO_CO was formed in 2022, primarily as a trio but has since redefined itself to play as a 4-piece and an expanded 5-piece band, to suit a variety of events.

Their music reflects the collective influences of the musicians: guitarist Robert Johnson’s stylish Latin jazz/Southern blues guitar work, the jazz/rock-fusion playing of bassist Frank Artés and the percussive dexterity of drummer Rod Rose.

Their latest project, Yanti & the SO_CO Blues Crew, expands their repertoir with the addition of Mel Zachary on keys enhancing a soulful, raw lyricism that showcases Yanti's powerful blues roots and vocal dexterity.

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"We play a wide-ranging mix of instrumentals and vocal tunes comprised of old-style blues from Ray Charles to Willie Dixon, Latin-inspired original compositions influenced by Carlos Jobim, some funky jazz standards and even a little Chuck Berry.

Over the years we have individually been part of numerous music projects, both large and small, covering a variety of genres from blues to funk, jazz to big band, and beyond. Depending on the type of event we can play either as a trio, a quartet or a 5-piece."

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During the Spring of 2022 SO_CO recorded their first instrumental album (Eclectic Avenue) at Arc House Studios in Kelowna, with guest appearances by two of British Columbia’s top jazz/blues artists, saxophonist Stephen Buck and blues harp maestro Sherman Doucette. The album is available on all streaming services including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer etc.

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Robert Johnson - Robert has been playing guitar (spanning several musical genres) since the early sixties, as a single performer, part of a duo with vocalist Liz Campbell and with the Kelowna-based band Blues Tribe. In 2005, Blues Tribe released an album titled "Soul Medicine", which today, is still often featured on local radio stations in the Okanagan.

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Frank Artés - Originally based in London, Frank spent ten years on the road in the UK with various blues and jazz/fusion bands opening for Canned Heat, Argent, Barclay James Harvest, Fusion Orchestra and other mainstage groups touring Britain. Since moving to Canada he's played with a number of bands in Ontario, released an album in 2016 with the duo BluZone, and now calls Penticton home. Since arriving in B.C. he has performed with various renowned local blues artists including Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, "king of the blues harp" Sherman Doucette, pianist Ernie Britten and drummer Geoff Eyre.

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Rod Rose - Rod is a very experienced drummer/percussionist with a background in, well you name it, and Rod's hit it with feeling!

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Yanti - For two decades, Yanti has performed locally in many different combos and venues. From Jazz Standards at weddings or retirement homes to rock ballads for fundraisers, either live or karaoke, Yanti has a diverse range of vocal talents. Yanti performs regularly with local jazz band Sax Among Friends, The Justin Glibbery Quintet, Crawford & Crossley Quartet and most recently with the SO_CO Blues Crew.

"...a little JAZZ, a little BLUES, with a whole Lotta SOUL..."