Editorial STUFF

In our end of year print issue we welcome back Mica Paris to our pages as the UK soul royal adorns our end of year flagship issue in stunning style. It's been 11-years since she dropped a new studio album and boy are we glad the South East Londoner has returned with an outstanding gospel release. How do you follow that you ask? Well, how about a lost interview with hip-hop gods Run DMC or a hat-trick of interviews with B&S soul-blues ones to watch Emma Wilson, Miss Freddye and Collette Cooper. Other stand-out interviews this issue include DJ-producer and label boss Sean McCabe talks new music, the evolvement of house and the effect of COVID-19 on the dance music industry. And if you thought that was interesting, how about an in-depth interview with UK independent funk/soul head honcho Trevor McNamee, whose Jalapeno Records label cap a memorable year of releases with a 20th Anniversary celebrating CD, download and box set compilation - find out what makes this leading label tick as McNamee gives us the label's longevity game plan in detail... This issue we include reviews for current and future album releases plus, as live events are proving hard to come by these days due to the ongoing world COVID-19 pandemic, we have thought outside the box and venue this issue by bringing you not only a Children of Zeus review that we were able to attend at London's Jazz Cafe as lockdown eased but also list the Best Live Events we attended this year before and in between lockdowns. Plus, B&S reviewer/photographer Dave Burke also lists his Best Live Events he's covered since he started contributing to B&S back in 2014. Both lists and show reviews are not be missed. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Charts include an extended to 40 track (originally 20) B&S Upfront Urban Chart, Ben Lovett's finger on the pulse Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart, Bigger's must-see R&B Smoove Grooves Chart and THE coolest chart in the universe, the r&b and soul plus everything in between banger chart, otherwise known as the Hip List. This issue also includes Richard Searling collated Playlist Faves from highly respected soul/northern soul DJ's Pete Haigh, Jimmy Scriv, Roman and BBC Radio's John Kane. This end of year issue also takes an extensive look at 2020's best tracks and artists plus we pick those who we feel will be making waves, creating headlines and have all the ingredients to dominate in their respective genres as we spotlight the artists who we feel will be Hot For 2021. B&S columnists Ralph Tee brings you all the latest modern soul news and releases plus a look back at 2020, along with a glimpse towards who and what will be hot in 2021. Ben Lovett delivers a dance music must-read column and lists this year's dance highs and big hopes for next year. Bigger reveals who's trending in the world of r&b and what acts we should look out for next year. Richard Searling gives the latest on all things northern soul, including planned events and latest news. Talking of northern soul, B&S' Frank Elson provides an absorbing read yet again, as he revisits a classic Checkin' It Out column from March 1976, when he paid a visit to The Londoner in Barnsley. This issue we welcome a brand new columnist, DJ/host of the Blues & Soul sponsored Soul Appreciation Society show on Street Sounds Radio. Also promotor, Smoove Grooves co-owner, sound system owner and he's got more pies than he's got fingers so I will just call him a businessman, Mr Flip himself… Flip Pearce. Who will be sharing his unique perspective on the music world and other intriguing subjects - welcome Flip! Last, but by no means least, our Soulful Social pages in this issue, where you can have your say! Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (all @BluesandSoul) and let us know what you think and we could be adding your comments to our next print issue! Till then, stay safe and enjoy the music! Lee Tyler @LeeTyler13 #BlackLivesMatterB&S