Yanti & The SO_CO Blues Crew – Bringing together a “little JAZZ, a little BLUES and a whole lotta SOUL” with an earthy brand of powerhouse vocals.

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

Their latest project, Yanti & The SO_CO Blues Crew, expands their musical repertoire with the addition of keys enhancing a soulful, raw lyricism that showcases lead singer Yanti’s powerful blues roots and vocal dexterity. 

The Okanagan is well acquainted with Yanti’s great pipes. She has a lengthy resume of singing with high profile local groups, like the Justin Glibbery Quintet (JGQ) and the Crawford Crossley group, as well as leading her own “Song Catching” sessions with the public. With influences like Koko Taylor, Ruthie Foster and Big Mama Thornton, she’s got a southern soul-singer’s intimacy wrapped in a dose of northern attitude.

The Blues Crew consists of guitarist Paul Henbury with his stylish southern blues guitar work, the jazz-rock fusion playing of bassist Frank Artés, drummer Rod Rose’s percussive agility, and the finesse of keys player Mel Zachary, “Mr. Eleven Fingers”. 

Over the years each has individually been part of numerous music projects, including Frank playing with Kenny “Blues Boss’ Wayne and Sherman Doucette, Paul with the Kristi Neuman Band, Rod — “Well, he’s played everywhere, man” — and Mel with Don Wade and Sax Among Friends. 

SO_CO’s music reflects their collective influences, covering a variety of genres from blues to funk, soul-jazz and big band. You hear it all with these cats.