Editorial STUFF

B&S ISSUE 1042: Making her worldwide cover debut is a Canadian soul star who caused quite a stir with her 2016 debut album, “Soul Run”. Tanika Charles is now back with hot new album release “The Gumption” so it was a no brainer to invite this B&S fave to grace our cover. Congratulations on your cover and (rated 5* by B&S in the previous issue) new album Tanika! The first of many, I’m sure...How do you follow that, well how about soul connoisseur’s choice, Rahsaan Patterson. It’s been 8 years since much-lauded album, “Bleuphoria”. Now, with the release of new long player "Heroes & Gods", Patterson gives a candid interview which includes the tribes & tribulations, heartache & pain that fuelled the contents of a release that may well be regarded as a career-defining album. Also in unmissable interview action this issue... Authentic soul/rhythm & blues star Eli "Paperboy" Reed, who's interview is as enthralling as his electric sound. And for those who don't know, find out why he's called "Paperboy"...Next, a new name in the soulful jazz world, British saxophonist Rico Garofalo, who records under the name Lasperanza, and is gaining plaudits by the score from soul, jazz and R&B worlds - including columnists in this issue - his deft reworkings, delivered with quality vocals from well-chosen artists, enhance the already top draw production...Randy Hall may have been quiet on the release front for more than 30 years but in that time he has worked with some of the biggest names on the planet and helping them to make their names. The one time frontman of funk outfit Pleasure this time delivers in solo fashion on the Six Nine Records release, “How Do You Want Your Love”. So what’s been happening for the last 3 decades and what’s the story behind his new release? Find out in our highly engaging interview with the man himself...Completing our interview lineup are soulful house royals Teddy Jasper and Spen, who once again combine their considerable talents on their third Jasper Street Co. album release, “Rejoicing”...Our standout live reviews this issue include funk/soul must-see The Getup, who absolutely smashed it at PizzaExpress Live in Holborn, London. This quality outfit boasted the addition of richly talented soul diva, Ria Currie, who was in absolutely sparking form. We also catch the star-studded Love Supreme festival warm-up event at the Roundhouse in London. Artists included Laura Mvula, Judi Jackson, Kamaal Williams, Melt Yourself Down and Neue Grafix Ensemble. And talking of star-studded events, how about Gods Of Rap, featuring De La Soul, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang-Clan and DJ Premier who collectively blew the roof off London’s SSE Arena in Wembley. If that wasn’t impressive enough, we travel south across London to the Electric Brixton for Big Youth, Eek-A-Mouse, Little Roy and Max Romeo, who together make up the outstanding talent in action at the Legends Of Reggae show...Regular feature The B&S Years visits party year 1999, with 'best of' charts and candid comment, making it another in enthralling read....Richard Searling delivers his “Speed Up!” list of 46 All-Nighter must-haves. Frank Elson checks out the ‘Wrong Crowd’ at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club in Lancaster...We also bring you our annual look at THE best festivals here and abroad - if you’re going to a festival or fancy attending one, read our run down to find one you’ll love… or 2 or more even! Or regular charts include Smooth Grooves R&B chart, Grooveyard Essentials dance chart and our Hot Chart is replaced by returning favourite The Hip List - collated from up to the minute sales and global playlists, I challenge you to find a better combined soul/r&b chart that reflects the current taste and potential must-haves... There’s just time to mention our esteemed columnists, who are on-hand to share their own take on what’s hot and what’s definitely not in the genres they proudly represent. This issue’s columnists include Bigger (r&b), Richard Searling (northern soul), Ben Lovett (dance) and Ralph Tee (modern soul). Till next time! Lee Tyler - Twitter: @LeeTyler13 @BluesandSoulB&S