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
Aleighcia Scott in the running for a Best Reggae Album Grammy
Sensational Cardiff-born Welsh/Jamaican reggae rising star, Aleighcia Scott, is in the running for a Grammy nomination for her mesmerizing debut album, Windrush Baby...
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...
Rachel John: More Than A Feeling
Blues & Soul Editor Lee Tyler talks to West End star, turned essential gospel artist, Rachel John, about her inspired debut album "From My Lips To God’s Ear” featuring hymns written by true gospel greats...
The Brand New Heavies: Playing it Cool
Karen Lawler interviews Acid Jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary as they remember past glories and look forward to new releases in an unmissable interview...
Rahsaan Patterson 2.0
B&S Editor Lee Tyler catches up with soul/r&b royal Rahsaan Patterson who, along with uber-talented producer/remixer/DJ Quentin Harris, has housed up his immaculate 2019 album, Heroes & Gods...
Aaron Liddard: Pizza Express, Holborn, London 10/08/2023
Sax colossus Aaron Liddard, continued his onslaught this time at the plush and purpose-built branch of Pizza Express in Holborn...
Reggae Land: National Bowl, Milton Keynes 5/8/23 (DAY 1)
In the notoriously hard-to-crack festival market, plenty of people will be paying attention to Reggae Land. Its rise has been pretty meteoric considering it only launched in the troubled summer of 2021...
Reggae Land: National Bowl, Milton Keynes 6/8/23 (DAY 2)
After a damp but very successful first day, Reggae Land's standout artist lineup turned up the heat on a glorious 2nd day of must-see Reggae action...
Bold Parade: Heat (Suzume Recordings)
Highly regarded producer and multi-instrumentalist, Paul McMahon (aka Bold Parade), follows up his "Flowers In The Dirt" debut stunner with a new 4-track EP titled, Heat...
Sonic Soul Orchestra Ft. Kathy Brown: So Into You (Quantize Recordings)
It's a fabulous new rendition of Michael Watford’s 1994 club hit, "So Into You", from Sonic Soul Orchestra and soulful diva Kathy Brown...
Opolopo & Jaki Graham: Fire (Fool’s Paradise Records)
Now here is a wonderful pairing of talent, as British national soul treasure, Jaki Graham, meets contemporary dance producer, Opolopo, on "Fire" and the sparks are well and truly flying...
Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel Ft. Heidi Vogel: Enamoreme (Imagenes Recordings)
If sumptuous Latin flava rocks your electronic dance boat then look no further, as producers Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel team up with The Cinematic Orchestra vocalist Heidi Vogel to boast an impressive vibe...
Joseph Malik: Proxima Ebony (Ramrock Red)
Now here’s something really special from Scottish soulful talent, Joseph Malik, as he delivers another impeccable body of work on his fifth artist album, Proxima Ebony...
Instant Funk: The Albums 1976-1983 (RobinSongs)
Their music is characterized by infectious grooves, tight rhythm section, and catchy hooks which made them popular in the disco and funk era...