Editorial STUFF
In our end of year/ushering in 2022 issue, we bring you plenty of ‘best of’ charts, artists, tracks, albums and events which stood head and shoulders above the rest. And if that wasn’t enough, we also deliver our predictions for the year ahead. Our cover artist for this issue is immensely talented, AHI. We catch up with sublimely talented soul/r&b star Rahsaan Patterson. We also bring you interviews with not one but two elite DJs, DJ Huck Finn and ex-B&S staffer and DJ’ing lege Pete Tong. Kickstarting a brand new recurring feature, B&S’ Claire Tyler interviews Pete’s daughter Becky Tong and last, but by no means least, we interview renowned Texas-based genetic scientist (yes, you heard right) turned Southern rock and county soul singer/songwriter/keyboardist John Blangero A.K.A. Sun King Rising. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Live reviews include Wizkid at the O2 in Greenwich, The Average White Band at G Live in Guildford and Bugzy Malone at the Indigo @O2, billed as the artist’s last ever tour - we hope not... Charts include Bigger’s Best Of 2021 R&B Smoove Grooves. Stay bang up-to-date with what’s hot and trending in the worlds of soul, r&b and jazz-soul via the Hip List. There are hip-hop and rap bangers galore on the B&S Urban Hot Chart and Ben Lovett drops his 2021 Dance Top 5’s and continues to set the pace with his not to be missed Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart... Duncan Payne’s regular feature the B&S Years travels back to 2001 and highlights many US artists who were making their mark in the world of black music. The B&S Years also features the best artists/tracks, albums and B&S Poll Winners in 2001... Columns this issue include Bigger’s Smoove Grooves (r&b), Ralph Tee’s Modern Soul Sessions, Richard Searling’s Runout Groove (northern soul), Ben Lovett’s Grooveyard (dance), Frank Elson’s Checkin’ It Out @Blackburn Oldies all-dayer (northern soul). Lastly, don’t forget to check out our Soulful Social page, where you can have your say! Find us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook (all @BluesandSoul) and listen to the latest B&S tracklists and charts via the Blues & Soul profile on Spotify. Let us know what you think of our efforts and we could be adding your comments to our next print issue! Till next time, Lee Tyler *Twitter @LeeTyler13 Spotify Profile: Blues & Soul #BlackLivesMatterB&S
Cross The Tracks 2023
Cross The Tracks 2023 is a one-day spectacular in Brixton's Brockwell Park and will also feature a stand-out array of new talent, as well as an enviable bill of established artists...
AHI: Fully Focused
B&S' Karen Lawler interviews B&S cover artist and one to watch AHI who gives the lowdown on the creative process behind his latest album, Prospect...
Acantha Lang: Great Expectations
Pete Lewis interviews US soul/blues singer/songwriter Acantha Lang who releases her acclaimed EP “Sugar Woman" with brassy, varied grooves blending her Southern soul heritage with a nine-piece band...
Emma Noble: Amazing Grace, London 27/03/2023
Amazing Grace is London's newest and most exciting music venue and late-night bar. Tonight saw the effervescent Emma Noble take to the stage to a packed audience and deliver an energetic/well-paced set...
Chicago Beau: Rich Mix, London 17/2/23
LT ‘Chicago Beau’ Beauchamp has an unparalleled trajectory straddling blues, jazz and spoken word while mixing blues' evergreens with originals...
Smoove & Turrell: Hootenanny, Brixton, London 10/03/2023
Kicking off with "Do It" from their "Stratos Bleu" album was a good move and got the audience onside and dancing from the start. The sound was good at the Hootenanny...
Isaiah Rashad: O2 Forum Kentish Town, London 8/3/23
As one of the most talked about rappers on the planet, it was little surprise that tickets for Isaiah Rashad's two nights in London were snapped up...
Lady Blackbird Shepherd's Bush Empire 14/3/23
London's Shepherd's Bush Empire was the place to be as LA songstress Marley Munroe A.K.A. Lady Blackbird delivered a hotly anticipated and for the most part mesmerising set...
Angels Of Libra “Revelations” (Waterfall Records)
German-based retro groovers Angels Of Libra deliver their sophomore album “Revelations”. There’s plenty of sweet soul mixed with trippy angst and a slow to mid-tempo groove...
read moreThe Bamboos: Live At Hamer Hall With Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Pacific Theatre/BMG)
Melbourne funk & soul collective The Bamboos release, “Live At Hamer Hall”, recorded with the fifty-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Hamer Hall in 2021....
Bold Parade: Flowers In The Dirt EP (Suzume Recordings)
Bold Parade present their superb "Flowers In The Dirt" EP, this jazzy triple tracker is performed by some of the best in the biz...
Paris Cesvette Ft. Hannah Khemoh: Better (Quantize Recordings)
London producer Paris Cesvette and much-in-demand vocal soulstress Hannah Khemoh join forces on their brilliant new single, Better...
Dave Mayer & Tom Chubb: The Source Of Happiness (Bobbin Head Music)
Deep, hypnotic goodness, all freshly baked for the house heads as Dave Mayer (NL) and Tom Chubb (UK), drop their second collaborative single, The Source Of Happiness...
77:78: Love Said (Let’s Go) [Wallace & Morris ‘North Street’ Rework] Ramr
77:78 is a project by Aaron Fletcher & Tim Parkin from The Bees. "Love Said (Let’s Go)", which was originally released on their "Jellies" LP in 2018, gets a fantastic makeover from Ramrock Records...
