Editorial STUFF

We kick off with our first print issue of 2013 in the same momentum we finished the last issue, whilst proving this time that we are definitely ready to put our money where our mouth is!  Our cover is none other an artist we backed very heavily as a 'one to watch' at the end of last year, I'm very pleased to say we will be cashing in that prediction with our cover/interview this issue…welcome Laura Mvula!  All I can I also say is, watch-this-space…  This issue also features some of THE best box-fresh talent on the planet, plus a few old favourites for your further pleasure…so enough about Snowboy!  Let me tell you what else to expect… There's more royalty in this issue than a good ol' family knees-up at Balmoral, as we get into interview action care of some VERY high class musical dignitaries;  Bluey, Martha High, Charles Bradley, James Hunter + our very own Brian McKnight in shining armour! (see what I did there!) With one of the best albums last year, R&B acts don't get much hotter, as Miguel drops by for a chat. We continue the new artist tip with interview introductions care of; Very soulful German talent show (million pound prize) winner Onita Boone, spitting out rhyme like books on the shelf - is our new hip hop hero! Mic Righteous AND we go live with a review, having taken Dingwalls by storm, of soulsationally talented Allen Stone! We welcome back the god given voice of ex-Lighthouse Family frontman, now turned solo singer, Tunde Baiyewu and if that wasn't enough we also have interviews from a pair of mega talented divas/stars, one of them literally was 'a star' - Alice Russell and ex-member, turned soloist from 80's popular quintet Five Star, the very lovely Deniece Pearson... Last, but by no means least, we keep star spotting as we bring you a retrospective in celebration of the life and times of one time Motown hit maker, who sadly passed away 10 years ago this month, Mr Edwin Starr. Just enough time to mention our columnists; Snowboy (Jazz & Funk), Bigger (R&B), Ralph Tee (Modern Soul), Bobby & Steve (Soulful House), Shortee Blitz (Hip Hop), Ben Lovett (House n' Dance), Simon Redley (Blues), Frank Elson and Richard Searling (Northern Soul). Who are raring to share their talent, views and passion through our pages and website - PLEASE feel free to click on to us at bluesandsoul.com and share your views with myself or our columnist's and/or get in touch with any news that you feel would benefit other at info@bluesandsoul.com and we will do our very best to pass it on. May the music be with you!B&S