Editorial STUFF
Spring is definitely in the air as we take great pleasure in delivering you a typically FRESH issue of B&S - of course a fresh issue deserves fresh talent, and they don't get more ripe than our latest cover, she is the immensely talented and super scrumptious Rita Ora. Believe me, get her while she is hot, hot, hhhhhot! She IS one to watch in the coming monthsâ€Â¦ We try to simmer down just a bit with some equally impressive interview action from a plethora of some of THE best talent on the plant; Delilah, Wale, George Benson, Esperanza Spalding, New Street Adventure, Marcus Collins and a slightly surreal chat with First Serve's Deen D Whitter and Jacob 'Pop Life' Barrow (AKA De La Soul's Plug 1/Posdnous & Plug 2/Dave)... While I'm here, I would just like to mention our 'magnificent 10' columnists, please do remember ALL our columnists, as I am, contactable at editorial@bluesandsoul.com - if you have any info/news from a genre we cover and feel would benefit others, do get in touch and we will spread the word! ...Before I toodle off and start planning the next issue, I would just like to mention a very special Anniversary taking place in May - of course I'm referring to Southport's 25th Anniversaryâ€Â¦ May I just say from all the contributors, not just in this issue, but every issue over the last 25 years in which we have covered/mentioned/interviewed/reviewed or just plan hung out with organisers/attendees (you lot!) at the event - it has been an absolute pleasure. Congratulations Alex, Dave and the gang! Lee [Ed]B&S
Win tickets to see Betty Wright
THE hottest ticket's for you to win as we give you the chance to marvel at the talents of Betty Wright at either London's Jazz Cafe or Manchester's HMV Ritz, by way of a very special competition...
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Original 2012 Vintage Festival Plans Scrapped
Big music stars such as Nile Rodgers and Chic, Cameo, Alice Russell, Aloe Blacc, Betty Wright, and Craig Charles have been scrubbed from this year's Vintage Festival after poor ticket sales forced the organisers to scrap plans for the full scale even
KPM All Stars to play Islington in July
Funk alert! 'Danger' funk alert! Special gig on the horizon with KPM All Star Big Band at Islington Assembly Rooms on the 7th of July. If you would allow me to fill you in...
The Doctor̢۪s Orders announce 7th Birthday Party plans
If you̢۪re a longtime veteran of London hip-hop raves (like Flavor Of The Month, The Hop, Scratch, Dekefex, Kung Fu, Speakers Corner et al) you̢۪ll know that The Doctor̢۪s Orders has been one of the most reliable of the new millennium
Rita Ora: Incredible Ora
Pete Lewis meets West London singer/songwriter Rita Ora. Who this month releases her highly-anticipated debut solo single ‘R.I.P.’ through US rap icon Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label...
George Benson: Guitar Hero
Pete Lewis hooks up with 10-time-Grammy-winning legendary soul and jazz vocalist/guitarist George Benson, who this month continues his already-trailblazing five-decade-plus career with a largely-instrumental new album "Guitar Man"...
Delilah: Sitting Pretty
This could well be Delilah's year, with hot new single and album waiting in the wings, a bright musical future must surely beckon for this hard working, self-confessed "control freak," starlet in the making...
Betty Wright: From The Roots Up
With a brand new album "Betty Wright: The Movie" in the offing and a string of UK dates to boot, Betty Wright is back with a bang! B&S' Richard 'Sweetboy' Ashie finds out first-hand about the world according to Betty...
Jean Carne On The Ex Factor
Jean Carne needs little introduction. She is to soul music what Ferrari are to super cars. What Kruger is to champagne. Philly Sound and Motown legend Jean speaks to Simon Redley about an unexpected current collaboration.
Wale: Highly Ambitious
Semper Azeez-Harris talks to DC's finest/Rick Ross label signed rap-star, Wale. With recent album "Ambitious" still drawing acclaim, Wale talks new game plans along with his unadulterated views on his genre...
Marcus Collins: Aiming higher and Higher
This month finds 2011 ‘X Factor’ finalist and runner-up Marcus Collins further pioneering his UK Top 10 self-titled debut album with the release of its second single - the punchy, brassy "Mercy"...
The Haggis Horns: Floridita 15/5/12
The Haggis Horns just have to be one of the best live bands I have ever seen. Their music never seems to age and they just get better at playing it. There are absolutely no passengers in this band. They are all excellent musicians...
Lee Fields & The Expressions, Mighty Mocambos + New St Adventure: Islington Town Hall 3/4/12
The buzz surrounding Lee Fields had grown to fever pitch by the time his one and only London date had arrived. The myth was about to be realised! The sumptuous Islington town hall, now seconded by hip promoters Senbla and AGMP...
Josh Osho: Jazz Cafe 25/6/12
It was an evening for Osho to showcase his momentous and uplifting debut album "L.I.F.E." (all I can say is, get it!), while giving us a running commentary of each track and funnily enough, HIS life. O and if you're wondering...
