Charles Tiner - Good Soul
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Jan 2026
Good Soul is the title of Charles Tiner's second release, but if you take the time to read his bio, I think you'll agree with me that it could very well be a term to describe Charles, as well. For this project, Charles - on lead & background vocals, piano, organ, horn & string arrangements, and percussions - is joined by: John Virgin on lead guitar; Jamahl Patterson, Mark Sanders, Keagan Cunningham and Mike Wallace on drums; Charles Fox, William "Chilly" Bryant and the late Conrad Lee on bass; Theodore "Theo" Fisher on sax/arrangements; Clipton Smith on lead, solo and rhythm guitar; "Ready" Eddie Smith on lead and rhythm guitar; Travis Aldridge on lead & rhythm guitar; Chris Camp on harmonica and washboard; with Sandra Chappel, Regina Stewart-Byrd, and Johnetta Jay Williams on background vocals. Of the disc's twelve tracks, eleven are written, composed and arranged by Charles.
Having nurtured his musical roots in the Baptist church where his father was a pastor, I'm going to put my money on "Bad Woman" having never been performed in that environment. Ya see, Charles wants his woman to be bad and if not, he won't spend one dime 'cause she'd just be a waste of his time. Amongst other things, "She's gotta put food on the table, sweep the floor with a good broom, run his bath water, and put it down in the bedroom......". Vocally, with his compelling presentation of this song's forthright lyrics, Charles' sincerity is never in doubt. Musical highlights include, Theo's fiery sax solos; Clipton and John's toe-to-toe smoking guitar leads; and a powerful rhythm led by Charles' intense organ runs. Great track!
Travis' killer blues guitar intro - and throughout the track, as well - pretty much sets the mood for a good ol' downhome blues track called Blue Moon. Speaking of blues, with lyrics like: "We didn't wear name brand clothes like Louis Vuitton, we wore hand me downs from the body of someone; No Michael Jordan's or Stacy Adams', we had plain leather shoes with Holy bottoms; We didn't drive BMWs, we didn't drive Cadillacs, we had to walk to school with our heavy back packs; I can't miss having a silver spoon, I was born under a Blue Moon"; Charles is belting the hell out of them vocally. With the band in a killer blues groove behind them, Charles - with outstanding help from Sandra and Regina - just takes the lyrics and runs with them on this one.
Unlike a previous song I mentioned, this one would surely be welcomed to be performed at any spiritual gathering. As a matter of fact, Charles' Gospel roots are quite evident on "Peace By The River". From Theo's opening sax intro; to Charles' range roving emotional vocals; to the accompanying backing vocals; to the lead and rhythm guitar work; to the drum and bass playing; to the song's lyrics; the word powerful is the common denominator.
This one reeks of "Song Of The Year" potential. This is a song about something that many of us are working hard at to make happen, and all of us are hoping does - making sure the blues "Stick Around". As Charles soulfully professes his love for the music his thoughts are: "There’s something about my love of blues,
A love I’ve ever known.
I CAN'T hardly figured It out
But one thing I do know
My love has grownT
he blues Has been consistent,
The blues have been real sound
That’s why I gotta keep it real
You know what.
The blues will always stick around."
"Don't Let The Devil Ride" is the band's reconstructed rendition of the 1968 original by Rev. Oris Mays. This take is a funky rocker featuring the whole band pretty much laying down a Gospel style jam while Charles offers the sound advice of:
"Don't let the devil ride, if you let him ride, he'll want to drive....." and
"Don't let him be your friend, if you let him be your friend he'll take you to the end."
The album closes with a joyful and jazzy tune titled "Put Your Money On Me. The laid-back vibe of just Charles Tiner on piano, Chris Camp on harmonica, and Charles Fox on standup bass, is the perfect vehicle for the boss man to showcase his extraordinary vocal skills. Putting that another way, let me just say "THIS GUY CAN SING!".
Other tracks on Good Soul - an album I believe will make some noise during the blues award nomination processes - include: "Be A Man"; "Don't Bau Me Nun"; "Night Rider"; "She Made A Move On Me"; "Two Wrongs Don't Make It Right"; and "Don't Be A Fool Too Long".
If you've not yet received a copy of Good Soul for airplay, please contact Betsie Brown at - www.blindraccoon.com - and should like to find out more about Charles Tiner, check out his website - www.charlestinermusic.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend The Blewzzman sent you.
