Editorial STUFF
As the gun goes off this May, we are out the blocks faster than Usain Bolt with a plethora of exciting interviews... Our cover artist this month is star in the making ALOE BLACC, single 'I Need A Dollar' hits the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. We reflect the Philly way with ERIC BENET ahead of his U.K. dates. Also we talk to bright young 'soul' thing MAVERICK SABRE, who we feel will be making his mark VERY soon. We bring you not one, but two, guitar legends in the shape of MOTOWN'S DENNIS COFFEY and Ghanaian highlife guitar legend EBO TAYLOR. ...We bring you the creme of the crop of new and exciting artists as we introduce EMELI SANDE, ENCORE, TRIXTA and NEW STREET SOUL + we bring you the second part of Editor LEE TYLER's interview with THE BULLITTS, as we get nearer to finding out about the groups ethos (ok, we tried! lol). We have our ultra talented musical experts on hand with their respective columns: World renowned MOTOWN expert Sharon Davis gives you the latest MOTOWN happenings... Jazz/Latin American guv'nor Snowboy casts his eye over all things jazz... And be one step ahead with club events/news & essential tunes all care of Ben Lovett in his must-read GROOVEYARD. ...Just time to mention that you can follow the news behind the music and as it happens @TWITTER/BLUESANDSOUL + please feel free to follow us on FACE BOOK @BLUES AND-SOUL II & like us @BLUES & SOUL - Till next time!;)B&S
Win a copy of 'Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business' album
The new album from Brandy is definitely a family affair, featuring bother Ray J and parents Willie & Sonja Norwood. This unique album marks the first time this mega talented family have recorded together - and you can win a copy right here...
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Aloe Blacc: Breaking new ground
B&S Editor Lee Tyler meets Hip-Hop artist now turned soul superstar in waiting, Aloe Blacc. As poignant single 'I Need A Dollar' makes a huge imprint on both sides of the Atlantic, a highly respected musical career must now beckon...
Eric Benet: Perfect timing
Grammy-nominated soul singer/songwriter/producer Eric Benet reacquaints himself with Pete Lewis to discuss his latest, critically-acclaimed album ‘Lost In Time’, plus his eagerly-anticipated upcoming UK live dates
The Impressions: Everlasting Impressions
Pete Lewis talks in-depth to Fred Cash - long-standing veteran member of iconic soul trio The Impressions - about his group’s trailblazing, five-decade-plus career. Also their upcoming UK live dates...
Booker T. Jones: Stax appeal
Pete Lewis speaks to legendary Memphis-born-and-raised soul organist/songwriter/ producer Booker T. Jones about his new album ‘The Road From Memphis’ plus his historic days at Stax Records in the Sixties...
Alexis Jordan: Quietly confident
Pete Lewis talks to 19-year-old, South Carolina-born pop/dance/R&B songstress Alexis Jordan, who’s currently aiming for a third consecutive UK Top Ten hit with her new uptempo single ‘Hush Hush’
Ciara: Steppin’ the game up
Recording artist Ciara is grateful and blessed for her success. She’s an incredible entertainer who is always genuine with her fans and willing to give back to the community. More importantly, she’s stayin’ on top of her game...
Mama's Gun: On your marks!
With the release of Mama's Gun new funk/soul/pop filled album, 'The Life And Soul' - B&S Editor Lee Tyler talks to lead singer Andy Platts as he explains the band's plain for world musical domination... well almost!?
Maverick Sabre: Travelling at the speed of sound
Pete Lewis chats to London-born, Irish-raised Maverick Sabre. Whose unique blend of hip hop-inspired, haunting vocals, skilful guitar-playing and soul/folk songwriting is currently garnering huge critical acclaim
Red One: The Fame…Monster!
We go Gaga this issue as Christopher Daniel talks to the super-producer responsible for the Lady's hits, RedOne. Not just content with filling his C.V. with No1's from that direction, he has been busy elsewhere... VERY BUSY!
New Street Adventure: On your marks!
Bands don't come more exciting and fresh out the box than New Street Adventure - under the wise guidance of much traveled super soul artist Noel Mckoy, their brand new E.P. is making all the right noises...
The Bullitts: Everybody be cool (Part 2)
In true film noire style, here is the second part of our epic interview... as we shed light on the style, ideals, plot-lines, structure, brilliance and the madness (and I mean that in the best possible way) that is THE BULLITTS!
Snowboy and the Latin Section: STAND! Fairfield Halls, Croydon 19/05/11
Not only was I to witness the "foremost Conga player in the world" in action with his duck tight Latin Section, BUT, it was also set to be the opening night for one of the best kept secrets in the South East…
The Whispers: Indigo2, London, 14/05/11
The Whispers returned to London for the first time in 27 years for what proved to be more of a feelgood nostalgic gig than a trailblazer. The laid-back nature and the make-up of the audience would attest to this...
