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
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...
0z Noy : Ronnie Scott’s 12/05/2923
On the other hand, Noy moves into rotary church organ mode again running up a bar bill of expensive chords before he merges into white noise
The Teskey Brothers: Brighton Dome, Brighton & Hove 24/4/23
The Teskey Brothers have built up an organic following over the years and this Brighton Dome gig was sold out several months in advance...
Tristan Banks : Pizza Express Soho 25/04/2023
Tristan’s composition, Polycephaly’ has a lilt like all classic Brazilian jazz and furthermore sax & flute player, Paul Booth, offered up a mellifluous tenor solo
Yazmin Lacey + Dave Okumu: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, London 20/4/23
Yazmin Lacey's inclusion on the bill alongside the brilliant Dave Okumu made the show at The Roundhouse's In The Round Festival made it an essential show to catch...
Silky Steps: Universal Language (Funk Embassy)
Silky Steps are a 5-piece band from Estonia's capital Pernau. They have their own unique blend of neo-soul, nu-disco and pop-funk. Their music is driven by a slinky guitar and synths and smooth basslines...
Jason Herd & Barbara Tucker: Head Up High (Inc. Harry Romero Remix) Bohemian Disco
UK producer and DJ, Jason Herd joins forces with the legendary "Queen Of House", Barbara Tucker, on the fantastically uplifting Disco stomper "Head Up High", which hails the launch of brand new label...
Joseph Malik: Adult Contemporary (F*CLR)
The word is out that Scotland’s acclaimed soulful singer and rousing songwriter, Joseph Malik, has an exciting new album on the way and "Adult Contemporary" is the first single to be unleashed...
Todd Terry & DJ Rae: Don’t Wanna Fall In Love (InHouse Records)
The US meets the UK on this groovy cover of Jane Child’s 1989 classic, as Todd Terry and DJ Rae join forces to deliver a fantastic and respectful rendition of Don’t Wanna Fall In Love...
Jay B McCauley Ft. The Trueheart Choir: Ayo (inc. Mijangos & Col Lawton Remixes) Unquantize
"Ayo" is an infectious Afro House butt shaker, courtesy of Australian producer Jay B McCauley and Nigeria’s The Trueheart Choir. It feels good all over, with percussive beats, uplifting vocal chants and...
Oded Nir & Derrick McKenzie Ft. Jenner McKenzie: Alive (Suntree Records)
Suntree Records boss (and amazing bass-playing wizard!) Oded Nir teams up once again with top drummer and producer Derrick McKenzie (of Jamiroquai fame) on their second collaboration, Alive...
Robb Scott & Leee John: Gotta Get Over You (Ramrock Blue Records)
Now here is a meeting of musical minds to get very excited about, step forward musical maestro Robb Scott and the legendary Leee John of Imagination! "Gotta Get Over You" is a soulful song all about...