Editorial STUFF
Welcome to this online issue of Blues & Soul magazine…First up we have our stunning cover star Rebecca Ferguson, Rebecca is an artist we have endorsed at B&S from day one, I am also glad we can back that endorsement with her first (I'm sure of many) B&S cover. Her first album penned, as is her new album, by her own fair hand, steadily picked up momentum / attention as this ex-X-Factor contestant seemed to find the terrain around the release of her first album slightly rocky. Now with full testament to the character of this determined diva, she is back with a great sound and another set of quality tunes…now as Rebecca steadily picks up more and more devoted fans / pandits on both sides of the Atlantic, it's just a matter of time before Rebecca hits the superstar status she deserves. How do you follow that? Well how about…Mary J. Blige pops in to wish us a happy festive season, equipped with her new Christmas infused long player. Beverley Knight talks Whitney Houston and the challenge of performing nightly in London's West End, as she makes her acting debut in the "Bodyguard." Blues' god Joe Bonamassa grants B&S an exclusive (and v rare) back stage interview, as we go ringside for his "Tour De Force" shows. Gabrielle is back! After taking time away from the music scene, Gabrielle answers her calling with a welcome return to the scene. Ever in demeaned percussion princess Sheila E on why her new album has taken so long to deliver and what it was like working with the purple perfectionist, AKA Prince. There's some Bluey language from Tony Momrelle, as he talks Incognito and delivering a quality EP + we introduce 7 artist who we believe will make it big in 2014, watch this space…I have just enough time to mention our esteemed columnists, who have also looked back at a mainly fine year for the genres they enthuse about - they too have picked a few movers and shakers who they feel will be lighting up 2014. Lee Tyler (Editor)B&S
THE ENGLISH BEAT ANNOUNCE MARCH UK TOUR
Dave Wakeling, the original lead singer of ska kings The Beat, is touring the UK in March with his US based band, The English Beat. Ranking Roger fronts The Beat here in the UK, so fans of their timeless music will be spoiled for choice.
Rebecca Ferguson: Soul Catcher
Pete Lewis meets million-selling former “X-Factor†runner-up Rebecca Ferguson, as the soulful Liverpudlian songstress releases her second album “Freedom†and offshoot single “I Hopeâ€
Mary J. Blige: Devine Inspiration
B&S editor Lee Tyler has a festive chat with the Queen of R&B Mary J. Blige…with a christmas debut "Mary Christmas" choc-full with stella featured artists, this interview is sure to warm the cockles…
Beverley Knight: Houston calling
Pete Lewis chats to British soul Queen Beverly Knight about her current leading role in the hit West End musical “The Bodyguardâ€, currently showing at The Strand’s Adelphi Theatre…
Joe Bonamassa: No Ordinary Joe
Blues guitar star Joe Bonamassa doesn’t do interviews when he is on the road. But he made an exception to meet up with our Bluesville columnist Simon Redley, for a very revealing backstage chat…
Gabrielle: Dream Topping
Pete Lewis meets 10-million-selling London singer/songwriter Gabrielle, as the two-times BRIT Award-winner returns with her new album “Now And Always: 20 Years Of Dreamingâ€â€¦
Christian Gregory: True Soul
Pete Lewis meets London singer/songwriter Christian Gregory, whose debut single “Count On You†also marks the first release for Gold-selling British soul troubadour Michael Kiwanuka’s new Movement Records…
The Brand New Heavies + Bassment Project: Jazz Cafe 12/12/13
The listener hears just a few bars of any tune and knowing recognition can be seen in smiles and nodding heads that mark the return of an old friend. This definitely was the case at a sellout / rammed Jazz Cafe…
James Torme: Hippodrome, London Review 9/12/13
This transatlantic troubadour oozes silky charm like only a crooner can, his scatting shows to be a chip off the old block - there is no monotone delivery either, he is always right up there with his fine musicians and melody…
Da Lata: Hospital Club, London 4/12/13
It didn't take a lot for this rather enterprising outfit to get the hip London 'heard it all before crowd' into their sounds! …I'm glad I caught Da Lata live, the Oak Room in the Hospital Club had a great sound and atmo
Record Kicks 10th Anniversary: 100 Club, London 9/11/2013
Record Kicks 10th anniversary got off to a flying start, which is just as well, as this record company based in Milan has done old school style funk & soul a tremendous service and deserves to be flourishing in my book!
The Newmastersounds, Bluesmix + DJ Corrina Greyson: Borderline, London 6/11/13
The New Mastersounds! Now in their 15th year and still going great guns. It's the fourth time I'd seen them and like fine wine they get better with age! The collective creativity and energy mustered was a wonder to behold…
Sheila E: Under The Bridge, London 23/11/13
Undoubtedly the first lady of drums, Sheila E’s hands moved so fast on some of the drum solos that I actually thought it was a pre-recorded track! Her enthusiasm beamed across her face and radiated across the room…
“Northern Soul: An Illustrated History†by Elaine Constantine and Gareth Sweeney
The politics of the scene have reared their ugly head once more. It seems that if your face fits you are in this book – fans, recording artists, clubs – if it doesn't you are not…