Thawing Out with Charles Mack and Friends | Arts & Culture

It has been some two weeks now since snow and rain kept the party crowd at bay and virtually all night life froze to a disappointing halt. Before the week end was over Charles Mack and his friends were back on the stands heating up audiences at their favorite night spots.

I first met Charles jamming with the “In the Pocket Band” at the Tacoma Comedy Club. The audience was treated to fickle fingers on a bass guitar. Mack demonstrated his admirable ability to scramble and unscramble notes to the crowd's delight with his rendition of  “I know What You Feel”, a piece he composed himself. A week later he repeated the experience at the Pink Ultra Lounge playing lead and singing with the Charles Mack band.

Although this was a show with friends, anyone could easily agree that Charles owned the night with his engaging combination of singing and playing. Among audience favorites were “Goodbye” and “Be My Crazy Dream” from the album of the same name. The second half of the show featured guest performer Josephine Howell, a talented songstress with a wailing mellow and scintillating voice. The two created a mystical synergy that engaged the audience at every step. The same could be said for Virginia Ashby, whom he backed at The Tacoma Comedy Club. A petite performer with a big voice: she belts out Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight with fire and charm.

As it turns out, this bass player is as excited about playing music as he is about singing. His new CD features original songs that celebrate the challenges and victories of life.   Charles who is inspired by his life experiences, sings his songs from the heart. He is strongly empowered by the recent passing of his mother and a will to ensure a positive future for his son. When he is not taken up with his music and family, he focuses on his charities and flight school. To get to know him more one has to search through his fine collection on his webpage and see him live at a posted venue. In the meantime, here is Charles Mack’s serene dedication to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. befitting the Black History Month celebrations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsTiaG6bS6Y