Editorial STUFF
I take great pleasure in announcing not one exciting cover star this issue, but two! As ever impressive, QueenBrit Live aka Carlene Graham, graces the front of this issue and immaculately talented soul hero, Imagination featuring Leee John, is looking just as striking on our second cover. Other first-class interviews this issue continue with Soul/Blues goddess Nikka Costa, dance music maverick Carl Craig, quality soul/R&B vanguards ephemerals, deft genre-crossing Frankie Oliver and jazz one to watch, Polly Gibbons...Live reviews include Cymande at Ronnie Scott’s, Michael Kiwanuka at the Royal Albert Hall and Sean Paul at the Forum Kentish Town. Plus, B&S’ Frank Elson checks out a Northern Soul gem at The Strategy, Barnoldswick in Lancashire.... Our all time top 500 B&S singles countdown continues from 180-141 with; Cameo, Fugees, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, The Chi-Lites, Four Tops, Ray Charles, Rose Royce and Nina Simone amongst the highlighted artists this issue... There’s just time to mention our esteemed columnists: Richard Searling (Northern Soul), Bigger (R&B), Ben Lovett (Dance), Ralph Tee (Modern Soul) and Jon Harrington (Blues) who are on hand to share their wealth of musical knowledge and upfront news on; Soul, Northern Soul, Dance, Blues and R&B, respectively. Till next issue, Lee Tyler (Editor)B&S
Incognito announce Jazz Cafe fundraiser for Kenny Thomas' daughter, Christina
Incognito's Bluey hope is to raise as much money as possible and add it towards the overall target of £80,000, which is figure needed to provide vital treatment for Kenny Thomas' daughter...
read moreBluesFest at the O2 November 6th-8th
This year's BluesFest goes up a gear to the O2 this november featuring Tedeschi Trucks & Van Morrison and loads more besides, kicking off with a blues and soul evening with Mica Paris,Lisa Stansfield and Imelda May ....
The Thrill Is Gone â BB King R.I.P.
BB King, the very last of the living blues legends and a true originator, has died at the age of 89...
Keb Mo: Hot Pink live Americana Blues anyone?
Four times Grammy-winner and eight times nominated, blues and roots star Keb Mo has played for Presidents in the Whitehouse. But has he ever been asked about his sex life before?
Broken Witt Rebels: Rebels With A Cause
There’s a great big buzz about this Birmingham band, Broken Witt Rebels. That's Birmingham in the UK, not Alabama. Broken Witt Rebels are as unique as their name. Destined for stardom. No doubt about it.
Paul Lamb and the Detroit Breakdown UK Tour
US blues rockers Paul Lamb and the Detroit Breakdown have a growing fan-base here, and itâll get a bit bigger soon when they hit these shores for a 13-date UK tour to make new friends.
Rebecca Ferguson: All inclusive Holiday
Pete Lewis meets million-selling former âX-Factorâ runner-up Rebecca Ferguson, as the soulful Liverpudlian songstress releases her Billie Holiday-celebrating third album âLady Sings The Bluesâ...
Robert Cray: Town Hall Birmingham 7/5/17
Chaz Brooks checks out ultimate blues performer, Robert Cray, who's Birmingham Town Hall set is a mix of fresh, fun, funky and above all believable blues...
Leon Ware (with Mark de Clive-Lowe): Work Me (UK Expansion House)
Soul legend Ware, celebrating 50 years in music this year, hooks up with tip-top Kiwi producer de Clive-Lowe for this sophisticated new lick, propping up those silky smooth vocals on a bed of sparse but soulful...
Errol Linton:Hooked On Your Love (Ruby Records)
Errol Linton is a man who is well known on the blues club circuit and on the underground stations in London, where he busks. Apparently paying for this, his debut single and a video, with the proceeds of his busking.
The Layabouts: Do Better (Reel People Music)
Papa Records and sibling Reel People Music have been responsible for some seriously soulful releases over the last six years or so. Coming at the end of March is an album by The Layabouts...
Melvin Sparks : Live At Nectar's
Melvin Sparks releases his posthumous live album and what a stone cold classic it is.The high intensity never drifts off course.
Chick Corea : The Musician
The highlights are many fold whether it be joining forces with the terrifically on form and electrifying, John McLaughlin on 'Spirit Rides' or the hysterically comical Bobby McFerrin on 'I’ve Got The World On A String.'
Norman Connors : Valentine Love: The Buddah/Arista Anthology
Norman Connors is without doubt a towering figure who merged jazz and soul effortlessly into his own unique style.Sumptuous stuff indeed!
