Editorial STUFF

ISSUE 1039: Once again, we bring you another issue which is packed to the rafters with must-read interviews, enlightening columns, up to the minute release news and plenty of retro resplendence... This issue’s delicious double cover issue comprises of the distinct frontman of Nightcrawlers fame, John Reid, who I might add, is sounding better than ever and is producing music which is a must for any soul fan. He is joined on the opposite cover by true reggae greats, Chaka Demus & Pliers. With a back catalogue which seeks for itself, these guys are responsible for some of the best reggae tunes ever made.... Our first class interviews continue with 2 funk stunners, firstly, Gordie fukerteers Smoove & Turrell give their candid take on making their new album in an ever-changing world of funk and soul. We also have Aussie funk giants, The Bamboos, who boast the talents of not only the first man of Australian funk, Lance Ferguson, but also Australian funk royal, Kylie Auldist. Ever busy DJ/remixer DJ Q has worked at 1Xtra, Ministry Of Sound and Kiss to name but few - in this issue, DJ Q gives us the lowdown on his latest exciting project, “Fabriclive 99”. And last, but by no means least, our one to watch this issue is Australian R&B/soul artist, Caiti Baker. We are sure you will be hearing a lot more from this huge talent in the very near future... We feature plenty of live action in this issue, with festival reviews from Manchester’s Parklife, Bath’s Nass, Lewes’ Love Supreme and Holland’s North Sea Jazz festivals. We also review Jimmy Cliff at the Roundhouse, Lalah Hathaway at KOKO and Angie Stone, again, at Camden’s Roundhouse. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Frank Elson presents a classic Checkin’ It Out as he looks back at July 1976 and his visit to the Yellow Lady in Warrington. Frank is not the only contributor looking back this issue, as we excited to announce a brand new regular feature called “The Blues & Soul Years” where Duncan Payne takes a year in B&S’ history and gives a full rundown of music happenings as covered by this magazine in that year... There is just time to mention our esteemed columnists Richard Searling (Blues), Ralph Tee (Modern Soul), Jon Harrington (Blues), Ben Lovett (Dance) and R&B’s finest, Bigger, who are on hand to share their considerable knowledge on the genres they proudly represent. Till next time! Lee Tyler (Editor, Blues & Soul magazine) @LeeTyler13 @BluesandSoulB&S