Editorial STUFF
In this right ROYAL edition of B&S online we salute and welcome back the QUEEN of U.K soul BEVERLEY KNIGHT. We talk to the KING of cool LENNY KRAVITZ and sit down with the all time great, and KING of Latin Soul JOE BATAAN. Of course we also remember the KING of pop MICHAEL JACKSON, as SHARON DAVIS looks back at the life of this iconic enigma. (Please don't forget to leave your tribute message for Michael on the right hand side of the site and read them all online)... BILLY PAUL gets to the point in a full interview as he recounts his, at times, turbulent life in the documentary 'AM I BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU.' And if that wasn't enough, we just have just enough time to catch up EX- DESTINYS CHILD MICHELLE WILLIAMS as she prepares for the role of ROXIE HART in the West End musical CHICAGO and, and, and JUST catch LOUISE POLLOCK before her diary goes crazy - HOWZATT?? OUT!! Out of this world that is, with stella competitions this month in the shape of ticket giveaways for not one, but FOUR festivals! Camp Bestival, Underage, Field Day and The Big Green Gathering (make sure you take lots of sun block!?) We have WILL DOWNING - CLASSIQUE cd's to give away and Leela James at the Jazz Cafe tickets to win... Don't forget our esteemed B&S columnists; The Guv'nor SNOWBOY looks at all things jazz, SHARON DAVIS gives you all the latest MOTOWN news in MOTOWN TRACKING - in this turbulent time for the label. B&S newbee BEN LOVETT continues his impressive debut last month with his dance column THE GROOVE YARD (please don't forget to get in touch with our columnists with any news that you feel would benefit others). Our LIVE REVIEWS keep up the pace with LENNY KRAVITZ @o2 Brixton Academy, DAVID SANBORN and friends @Barbican and LITTLE BROTHER @Jazz Cafe... The only thing now I need to mention now is... We update daily and are ONLINE only - Hey, but you knew that already!?;)B&S
Win Tickets To Croissant Neuf
With festival competitons flying into B&S Towers faster than you can shake a well aimed dousing stick at, we offer yet another - a chance to win 2 free tickets to the charming solar powered, kid friendly Croissant Neuf festival...
Win a copy of Will Downing's new album Classique
Will Downing is back with his 14th album, in his 20th year making sweet soul music. 'Classique' is a return to form, delivering in typical quintessential Downing panache and style from start to finish... Win your copy right here...
Beverley Knight: Queen B
Pete Lewis speaks to reigning UK Soul Queen Beverley Knight, who this September releases her sixth studio album ‘100%’ independently through her own new label Hurricane Records.
Billy Paul: Soul Searching
Utter the name Billy Paul and someone will sing the chorus to ‘Me and Mrs. Jones’ back to you. Talk about the follow up single 'Am I Black Enough For You' and you may get a different answer. Why? Lee Tyler finds out?
LENNY KRAVITZ: Ice Ice Lenny
Right shades on... US rock/funk superstar Lenny Kravitz speaks to Pete Lewis while celebrating the 20th Anniversary, and timely re-release, of his iconic debut LP ‘Let Love Rule’ via a 53-date European tour.
Mr Hudson: Go West!
This month we welcome a little Q&A conducted by one of our readers and fan of none other than the inimitable Mr. Hudson - so, it's a slap on the back from B&S for reader Lawrence Gichigi... Suppose it's Kanye next time?!...
Michelle Williams: Heart to Hart
Pete Lewis speaks to one-time Destiny’s Child songstress Michelle Williams about her current, groundbreaking lead-role as Roxie Hart in the popular London West End production of ‘Chicago’
Kristinia DeBarge: Elle DeBarge
Pete Lewis speaks to Kristinia DeBarge - 19-year-old daughter of Eighties Motown hit-maker James DeBarge - who this month steps out in her own right with her debut single ‘Goodbye’ and its accompanying album ‘Exposed’.
Sharon Davis' reflections: Michael Jackson - A special life...
B&S' Sharon Davis takes a heartfelt look back at the life of the enigma that is Michael Jackson. From the highest of highs to the most painful lows... But one thing is for sure - there will never be another Michael Jackson...
Read & Add your Michael Jackson tribute messages here
As one of music's true heros Michael Jackson died tragically on June 25th, we offer our condolances to Michael's family. Please feel free to leave your tributes via the box on the right of the site and read them here.
RUBY TURNER: Red Alert
One of Britain’s most enduring soul music talents, national treasure Ruby Turner discusses her new gospel album ‘I’m Travelling On’ with a suitably-enlightened Pete Lewis
Louise Pollock: Real Aspirations
Singer/songwriter Louise Pollock has drawn inspiration from the Young Disciples to Soul II Soul and has an aromatic talent all unique. Simply put the girl’s got talent and B&S caught her before a packed summer tour schedule...
Joe Bataan: In A Field Of His Own
The groundbreaking Joe Bataan - New York’s original King of Latin Soul - recently spoke to ‘B&S’ while in London to perform a one-off concert organised by the Red Bull Music Academy.
Scratch Perverts: Itchin’ to go
It’s 2pm on a dreary Monday afternoon and our phone call has woken him up, but Mr Vegas seems chilled: “Don’t worry, I was expecting you....â€