Editorial STUFF
As we mourn the tragic loss of now legendary Jazz artist Amy Winehouse, assistant Editor PETE LEWIS recalls his April 2004 interview with the lady herself. It would turn out to be the first cover interview given to this would-be-legend in waiting, as a very uncomplicated Winehouse would shoot the breeze over her favourite dish - meatballs! ...Also in this issue, Editor LEE TYLER, celebrates 30 years of GOOD TIMES with NORMAN JAY MBE. Assistant Editor PETE LEWIS talks to STAX legend EDDIE FLOYD ahead of UK dates, whilst SEMPER AZEEZ-HARRIS weighs in with a hat-track of quality interviews care of RASHAAN PATTERSON, DWELE and MS DYNAMITE. This month we also welcome the talents of journalist/photographer SIMON REDLEY as simon homes in on an interview with one of the UK's finest singers RUBY TURNER, as we get a fascinating insight into the life and times of this fine artist. ...Our columnist's bring you opinions that count in their respective genre's, including; MOTOWN'S Sharon Davis... Jazz master Snowboy casts his eye over jazz matters... Andy Davies brings his first class modern soul column ...AND last, but by no means least, essential club news/reviews and all the latest killer tunes are all care of our man in the know Ben Lovett in his must-read dance column THE GROOVEYARD. ...Don't forget to follow B&S @Twitter.com/BluesandSoul and on Facebook.com/Blues And-Soul II AND "like us" @Blues & Soul ...Till next time!B&S
Esther Gordy Edwards dies at the age of 91
Motown executive Esther Gordy Edwards has died at the age 91. Edwards helped to shape the legendary Detroit record label along with brother Berry Gordy Jr, into the iconic musical landmark it is today...
Motown legend Nick Ashford dies at the age of 70
Such sad news again. After battling against throat cancer, Nick Ashford died in a New York hospital with his family at his bedside, on 22 August. Nick, and his wife Valerie Simpson, were responsible for composing...
Win a pair of VIP tickets to House Rules Bank Holiday special at Plan B
Sold out last year and looking a cert to go the same way this year year as House Rules presents... Bank Holiday Special with Max Vangeli, Gareth Wyn and Norman Jay MBE - and you can win tickets here...
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Rashaan Patterson: Mr Dependable
After first admiring the distinctive vocal of Rashaan Patterson over 12 years ago, Semper Azeez-Harris sits down for a chat with the man himself as tastly new album 'Bleuphoria' appears high on the interview menu...
N'Dambi: True Colours
Pete Lewis interviews Texan contemporary soul singer/songwriter N’dambi, who returns to London in September to perform in support of her Grammy-nominated latest album ‘Pink Elephant’...
Robert Cray: I'm Just the Guitarist In A Band
Blues legend Robert Cray invited B&S' Simon Redley to his London hotel for a chat and to take some pictures – a quarter of a century since they first met...
Charlie Wilson: Outstanding contributions
Pete Lewis speaks to iconic, Grammy-nominated funk/R&B vocalist Charlie Wilson, as the Oklahoma-raised former Gap Band lead-singer prepares for his upcoming headline show at London̢۪s IndigO2...
Toots Hibbert (Toots & Maytals): Reggae Got Soul
Reggae royalty Toots and The Maytals kick off a marathon UK tour next month. B&S' Simon Redley got the Royal command for an audience with the King, Toots Hibbert when he was here to headline the Summer Sundae festival...
Omar... just keeps on giving and giving
A supremely soul interview care of the UK's very own son Omar, as he talks to Semper Azeez-Harris about the creationof his seventh studio, the re-release of the superb 'Sing If You Want To' and living in sunny Brighton...
Kenny Thomas: Don't call it a comeback
After Pete Lewis' interview with multi-Platinum-selling London blue-eyed soul man Kenny Thomas, we have decided to add previously unreleased interview fodder from the man himself, enjoy!
UB40: Folk fans feel the benefit
UB40 may have feared the future when Ali Campbell hopped on his bike three years ago. But judging from a triumphant debut headline appearance at the world̢۪s most famous folk festival, they needn̢۪t have worried...
Ruby Turner: Fame's not the Turner Prize
B&S' Simon Redley shared soul food with the fabulous Ruby Turner at her West Midlands local - taking the opportunity to dig deep into her life and career...
The Soul immigrants: Boisdale, Canary Wharf, London 23/07/11
It was hight time B&S went to check out Canary Wharf's new music venue, Boisdales in the heart of Cabot Square. We'd heard a lot of good stuff about this ambitious place (Jools Holland is the patron) So was the fuss worth it? In a nuts
STAX review Feat. Steve Cropper, Donald Dunn & Eddie Floyd: 229 The Venue, London 27/07/11
The Stax Soul review hit town and boy was I excited! Headed by the god-like Steve Cropper and featuring a rare appearance from the legendary MG'S bass player Donald "Duck" Dunn PLUS soul survivor, Eddie 'Knock On Wood' Floyd...
