Editorial STUFF
Welcome to this online issue of Blues & Soul magazineâ¦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 tunesâ¦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 aboutâ¦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 spaceâ¦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 âX-Factorâ runner-up Rebecca Ferguson, as the soulful Liverpudlian songstress releases her second album âFreedomâ and offshoot single âI Hopeâ
Mary J. Blige: Devine Inspiration
B&S editor Lee Tyler has a festive chat with the Queen of R&B Mary J. Bligeâ¦with a christmas debut "Mary Christmas" choc-full with stella featured artists, this interview is sure to warm the cocklesâ¦
Beverley Knight: Houston calling
Pete Lewis chats to British soul Queen Beverly Knight about her current leading role in the hit West End musical âThe Bodyguardâ, currently showing at The Strandâs Adelphi Theatreâ¦
Joe Bonamassa: No Ordinary Joe
Blues guitar star Joe Bonamassa doesnât 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 chatâ¦
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 âNow And Always: 20 Years Of Dreamingââ¦
Christian Gregory: True Soul
Pete Lewis meets London singer/songwriter Christian Gregory, whose debut single âCount On Youâ also marks the first release for Gold-selling British soul troubadour Michael Kiwanukaâs new Movement Recordsâ¦
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 Cafeâ¦
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 melodyâ¦
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! â¦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 beholdâ¦
Sheila E: Under The Bridge, London 23/11/13
Undoubtedly the first lady of drums, Sheila Eâs 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 roomâ¦
âNorthern Soul: An Illustrated Historyâ 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 â fans, recording artists, clubs â if it doesn't you are notâ¦
