Editorial STUFF

ISSUE 1040: In this issue, we say goodbye to 2018 with our annual review of the best releases, the artists who made/are making their mark in the genres we love and comment on the music which lit 2018, along with plenty of charts to back it all up. Also in this issue, we identify those artists who we feel have real star potential and will could grab our listening tastes in 2019... First off the bat is our uber talented cover star, James Taylor - JTQ are known for high-quality funk and super stylish instrumentals, these pioneering acid-jazz funkerteers have joined forces with a full orchestra to bring music fans an unmissable experience, as they deliver essential new album, “Soundtrack From Electric Black”. Other star interviews this issue include: Authentic soul’s finest St. Paul & The Broken Bones. She was 20 Feet From Stardom in the Academy Award-winning documentary but exceptional talent, Judith Hill, is front stage centre in this issue and carrying one of our ‘ones to watch’ in 2019 banners. As does another hot prospects, Oscar Jerome, who makes his interview debut and impressive soul diva Tami, who also lends a candid first interview to our pages. Last, but by no means least, FYI Chris, who are currently picking up heat in clubland show their interview credentials via our essential Grooveyard dance pages. Not only do we have a look back at THE best live events in 2018 this issue but there is also live reviews from a whole host of more recent events, including: Lauryn Hill, who was in great form as she delivered her 20th anniversary “Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” show at London’s O2, Leon Bridges in not to be missed action at the O2 Academy Brixton, reggae shooting stars Chronixx and Protoje perform to a packed Alexandra Palace, Noel McCalla & The Derek Nash Band deliver stylish Steve Wonder tunes at PizzaExpress Live in Holborn in the heart of London and maybe Pete Tong’s finest hour, as he tops last year’s shows with Jules Buckley & The Heritage Orchestra, with 2 more sold out shows this year, at London’s O2 arena... Other articles this issue include our look at UK Drill, vilified by the media, rightly so, or has been misunderstood? Also, Richard Searling lists the best Northern Soul, only available on album, tracks... B&S columnists Ralph Tee (Modern Soul), Ben Lovett (Dance), Frank Elson (Northern Soul), (Richard Searling (Northern Soul) and R&B’s finest, Bigger, are here to give their views on the happenings of the last 12 months in their respective genres with ‘best of’ lists and charts, plus they also mention who they think will set 2019 on fire! Phew! There’s loads more but only so much space… so enjoy discovering the rest! It just remains for me to wish you all the very best for the coming year, I hope your yuletide is full of cheer and thank you for supporting our perpetual efforts to bring you the best magazine we possibly can. Till next time. Lee Tyler (Editor, Blues & Soul magazine)B&S