Editorial STUFF
Issue 1026 brings you the best of the past, present and future as we feature soul diva Natasha Watts in an illuminating cover interview. No one has worked harder to carve out their career than this artist, Watts gives a candid insight into the highs and lows which have ultimately shaped this consummate / gutsy professional. This issue includes a further plethora of stars from across the black music spectrum, including; (deep breath) Retro soul infused Mayer Hawthorne, Jazz superstars in the making Snarky Puppy, Quality soul diva Regina Belle, One third of funk / soul / R&B's finest - Shalamar's Jeffrey Daniel, Uber cool jazz starlet Esperanza Spalding, Blues’ Queen Bonnie Raitt, Band leader / conger player / DJ / writer and Latin-American guv'nor Snowboy, One of the year’s global hit makers with the track “7 Years” Lukas Graham, Northern Soul dancing queen Levanna McLean, Cult compilation “Future Disco” curator Sean Brosnan and this issue’s one to watch KStewart - watch her go! (phew!) We continue our countdown of the top 500 B&S chart singles of all time with; Chic, Bill Withers, Odyssey, The Platters, The Isley Bros, The 4 Tops, Teddy Pendergrass, Booker T. & the MG’s, Level 42, Shalamar and Diana Ross among other greats. There’s more chart action by way of Bigger’s Smoove Grooves R&B chart, Richard Searling’s Northern Soul Big Beat Ballads, Ben Lovett’s House / EDM Essentials Chart and our up front (get them while they’re) Hot chart. Album reviews this issue include: Alessia Cara, Bill Laurance, Kano, Kareem Shabazz, Robin Mckellen, (Jonnie Taylor’s daughter) Tasha Taylor, Joe Bonamassa, Brother Strut, Brendan Reilly, Charles Bradley, Willie Johnson, Horseshoe Gang, Jeff Healey, Kev Beadle, Ina Forsman and Deep Street Soul + album reviews, singles and artist mentions come by the bucket load from our esteemed columnists; Bigger, Ralph Tee, Richard Searling, Frank Elson, Ben Lovett and Simon Redley.B&S
Billy Paul RIP
Philly sound soul legend Billy Paul has died. He was 81. Best known for the timeless classic global smash hit, “Me And Mrs Jones.”
Win a Kitsound Flair Bluetooth speaker
Kitsound’s new Flare Bluetooth speaker delivers a great sound and boasts plenty of extras, you can win this beauty by entering our competition...
Win tickets to see Hot 8 Brass Band
You could win tickets to see New Orleans finest band of brothers, Hot 8 Brass Band, at one of London’s newest venues, the Electric Brixton...
Lukas Graham: The Magnificent 7
Hitting the top spot in almost every country on the globe, Lukas Graham sits down with B&S' Semper Azeez-Harris to discuss his rise to fame, his influences and the story behind his captivating single "Seven Years"
MYA: Sitting pretty
B&S' Semper Azeez-Harris catches up with singer / songwriter / philanthropist / trainer / manager / actress and 90's RnB sensation Mya. With a fresh album out, it's definitely a case of what's next...
Mayer Hawthorne: Retro Golden Mayer
Singer / songwriter / producer / multi-instrummenatlist / DJ and all round soul man, Mayer Hawthorne, gives insight into his particular groove, plus recalls his time making tunes with Pharrell...
Lee Scratch Perry: From Dub Star To Film Star
The new film about reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry is now released on DVD after a UK cinemas tour, and winning prestigious awards at various overseas film festivals.
Broken Witt Rebels: Rebels With A Cause
There’s a great big buzz about this Birmingham band, Broken Witt Rebels. That's Birmingham in the UK, not Alabama. Broken Witt Rebels are as unique as their name. Destined for stardom. No doubt about it.
Sam Sure: On the right track
B&S' Semper Azeez-Harris chats to B&S one to watch, Sam Sure. With new EP “Catching Feelings" about to drop, there's a lot to talk to this one time graffiti artist and biscuit connoisseur about...
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires: Forum Kentish Town 30/3/16
It seemed fitting that the Screaming Eagle of Soul, Charles Bradley, performed his latest show at a venue where the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, played one of his last UK dates...
Georgia Van Etten: The Hideaway London 7/04/2016
Soul Jazz songstress unveils her new band featuring the blistering trumpet of Quentin Collins. A top night in deepest south london...
Joey Defrancesco Trio : Ronnie Scotts 13/04/2016
Brash, Elegant, Gritty, Intimate, Bold, Soothing, Stylish, Celebratory, Freewheeling, Playful, Rambunctious Rousing,do I need to go on?
Myles Sanko, Crowd Company and Hollie Stephenson: Brooklyn Bowl 2/04/2016
Myles Sanko, Crowd Company and Hollie Stephenson - an exciting triple header with plenty of funk & soul at the Brooklyn Bowl, inside the 02 complex at Greenwich...