Editorial STUFF

Welcome to B&S online…Getting straight down to business, our cover star has adorned our coveted position many times before as a member of '80s pop/R&B phenomenon, Five Star. Now back with a first class album and proving she still has that magic touch, we are proud to have supremely talented Denise Pearson once again in pole position in this issue - welcome back Denise! …Other goodies include: As Incognito celebrate their 35th Anniversary, we talk in-depth to Bluey about the history, longevity and ever evolving nature of one of the UK's most endearing and enduring jazz-funk/acid jazz/soul/pop bands. They are already calling them the 'saviours of soul', St. Paul & the Broken Bones are about to take the world by storm and we nail an interview here first! Delivering one of the albums of the year, Blue Note's next contender to the throne, José James, talks determination and belief as he finally gets his message is delivered. Soulsational Lee Fields drops what could just be his career defining album and we are pleased to say we have a B&S interview to match. Back from the brink, former R&J Stone member Russell Oliver Stone talks candidly about his personal struggle with addiction after the loss of wife / singing partner Joanna at the pinnacle of their career …Jazz funk fusion pioneer Lonnie Liston Smith grants us an exclusive while dropping in on tour. As does Hollywood movie star and Blues journey man, Steven Segal, as he talks about his passion for the Blues and iconic artist encounters. More Blues exclusives include a rare chat with Coco Montoya, as a musical perfectionist he explains the difficulties of making THE perfect live album. Following that an interview with Royal Southern Brotherhood / one time member of The Meters, Cyril Neville, who explains about the journey / teething problems when forming a 'supergroup', to the perfect harmony their brotherhood enjoys today …As usual we comb the internet, hound the labels, attend live events and put the word out to bring you the lowdown on who will be making musical headlines in the not too distant future, this issue we earmark three quality acts for stardom…Tristan, a Dutch 6 piece, who as I write this have just made No.1 in the soul chart. Once called Young Rascals, now Rascals, these guys have not only grown up but so as their sound and ambition - set to dominate in the near future for sure. Lastly, and by no means least, Sound Of 2014 runner-up Ella Eyre makes her B&S debut - when you are runner-up to chart topping, tune shifting by the bucket load, uber-talented Sam Smith, you get the feelin' they'll be good times ahead for sure… Just time to mention our Twitter @BluesandSoul and our Facebook pages Blues And-Soul & Blues And-Soul II where you can follow the music and up-to-date news as it happens. Till next time! Lee Tyler (Editor)B&S