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
Love Supreme Jazz Festival announce 2022 headliner Erykah Badu
One of the coolest festivals in the world just got cooler as Love Supreme Jazz Festival announce multi-Grammy-winning neo-soul Queen, Erykah Badu, as their Saturday headliner on 2nd July 2022....
Beverley Knight sings Stevie Wonder
Hot on the heels of her impressive Kew The Music appearance at London’s Kew Gardens, UK Queen of Soul Beverley Knight will be in must-see action once again as she paying tribute to Motown royalty...
Unmissable Innervisions Festival 2019
The Innervisions Festival is fast making a name for itself as THE place to go to catch world renowned quality talent during July. I'm pleased to announce this year is looking as mouth-watering as last year...
Isaac Odeniran (Zoe Records): God's Plan
Assistant Editor Pete Lewis interviews Isaac Odeniran, Founder and Director of “the premier British Black Gospel Music label”, the East London-based independent Zoe Records...
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...
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...
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...
BROOKLYN FUNK ESSENTIALS : RONNIE SCOTT’S 28/10/22
It was time to ramp it up a little with the funkadelicious and intergalactic ‘Funk Ain’t Ova’ one of their top singles they released back in September 2019 : melodic funkateering at its best!
Brooklyn Funk Essentials: Happy
Brooklyn Funk Essentials enter the funk foray with this sophisticated slice of pure groove...
Emm Gryner: Burn The Boats (Légère Recordings)
A heavily infused slice of Steely Dan resides in this soothing and soulful track, which could be its saving grace…
Soul Immigrants: Blame It On The End Game (Burning Sole)
Dark and moody lyrics are filled with sly cynicism and are met with tough interlocking rhythms...
The Mighty Mocambos : Scenarios
What makes this band a standout group? Well let me tell you it's the drums pure and simple.The high pitched funky tone adds to a complete lesson in great grooving.
C’ammafunk : Bouncing
Ladies and gents of discernment meet C’ammafunk from Salerno, South Italy. Young and extremely talented with an air of sophistication that goes beyond their tender years.
The Soul Dogs Ft. Lifford Shillingford: Volume One
Some good old homegrown gritty soul gets an airing with new act The Soul Dogs and their fine debut album "Volume One" which features Lifford Shillingford...