Editorial STUFF
This issue we warmly welcome our stunning cover stars, Copenhagen Soul sensations, Wafande & Duplex - otherwise known as, Black Dylan. Their fresh twist on a '60's / '70's brass led formula can only mean these gangsters of cool get our vote to stay in a musical union! Euro 2016 may be over, but we have also assembled a veritable dream team of supporting stars for you to peruse at your leisure… Last issue I stated wholeheartedly that Jazz greatness beckoned for Kandace Spings in the not too distant future… now, it's time to put our my money where our mouths are once again, so to speak, as we follow that prediction with an interview with our star in the making - as usual, remember where you heard it first! Picking up plaudits by the score, UK Soul artist Shaun Escoffery makes a very welcome return with new album “Evergreen”. Looking at Shaun, that’s exactly what I thought, man that guy doesn’t age! What’s the secret Shaun? ...You must have heard the absolutely MASSIVE trumpet led tune doing the rounds and topping most charts around the world as we speak called, “This Girl”, by Kungs Vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners. Check it out if you haven’t, tis a corker! We are lucky to have tracked down vocalist Kylie Auldist on the other side of the world, as the Aussie powerhouse, she of Bamboos and aforementioned Cookin’ on 3 Burners fame, releases her own set of fine tunes via album, ‘Family Tree”. Talking of new albums, Blues fans get a real treat this issue as we bring you an interview with long-mooted by B&S Blues’ star, Laurence Jones, as he takes a well-deserved bow with brand new album “Take Me High” ...We complete our compendium of hard to match interviews with 2 new faces, R&B bad boy Ro James, behaves impeccably for our first newbie interview - already off to a flyer in the US with his Prince-like vibe, the fact he is supporting legendary talent Maxwell at the moment, obviously won’t do his cred any harm either. Lastly, but by no means least, we also introduce fine fresh talent, Imani Williams, at 16 years of age and with the hit “Say You Do” already under her belt, it’s only a matter of time until great things beckon for this uber talented artist... There's a lot more in our print issue, follow the links to our shop if you wish to purchase the latest edition of Blues & Soul Magazine or check it out at your nearest UK newsagent - if they don't have it, ask for a "shop save" the majority of magazine retailers will be able to order B&S in for you. See you next issue! Lee Tyler (Editor)B&S
Rod Temperton RIP
Rod Temperton, the legendary songwriter for among others Michael Jackson, and a member of the hit UK chart band Heatwave in the 1970s, has died at the age of 66.
World Music Star Muyiwa's Big London Spectacular
Muyiwa is a major name in the world of African and Gospel music - his radio shows have reached over 2 million people and his TV show, 'Turning Point' has reached more than 70 million people worldwide.
Black Dylan: Great Danes!
B&S Editor Lee Tyler travels to Copenhagen to meet stylish Danish soul duo, Black Dylan. With an authentic soul infused '60s/'70s horn led sound, mixed with a bang-up-to-date lyrics/melodies, this duo drop it like it's hot...
Kandace Springs: The Joys Of Springs
B&S Editor Lee Tyler talks to B&S one to watch Kandace Springs about her Blue Note album "Soul Eyes", supporting Gregory Porter on tour and where started her love of Jazz first started...
Shaun Escoffery: Soul stirring
Pete Lewis interviews acclaimed East London-born-and-raised singer/songwriter/actor Shaun Escoffery, whose new, fifth album “Evergreen” is released this September through UK soul independent Dome..
Tweet: Life is Tweet!
After a long self-imposed hiatus, immensely talented American R&B singer/songwriter/guitarist, tweet, catches-up with B&S’ Semper Azeez-Harris before her new album "Charlene" showcasing UK date...
Splendour Festival: Wollaston Park, Nottingham 23/7/16
Fancy a festival in a day in a picturesque setting, easy to get to and a family friendly vibe, crammed with classy bands and artists from today, yesterday and some dead cert future stars? Splendour's the place for you then...
Bearded Theory Festival: Catton Hall, Derbyshire 26-29/5/16
What links Lord Byron, Napoleon, Johnny Rotten, Black Uhuru and Wilko Johnson? Would make a great question for Mastermind or Eggheads, eh? The answer is………read on to find out!!!!
Buddy Guy & Quinn Sullivan: Symphony Hall, Birmingham 1/7/16
When BB King left us just over a year ago at 89-years-old, he passed on the blues baton to sole survivor of the US blues originators; Mr Buddy Guy. Back in the UK for just three shows.
Average White Band: Ronnie Scott's, London 14/7/16
Let’s go round again...the good times rolled at Ronnie’s as an expanded and rejuvenated Average White Band had the punters on their feet…
Nick Waterhouse: Never Twice (Innovative Leisure)
His third studio album, this US jazz, soul and R&B artist has been bubbling under the mainstream radar for a few years now. Will this one help him to break through?
Blue Lab Beats: Blue Skies EP (Believe Recordings)
To sum up this four track introduction to these two London musicians, composers and producers, only two words required: Bloody cool. Yeah, that does it.
Anomie Belle: FLUX (Diving Bell Recording Co)
This Seattle-based experimental electronica artist and classically trained multi-instrumentalist, is a bit of a genius. Her fifth album is quite something...
Doyle Bramhall II: Rich Man (Concord Records)
Doyle Bramhall II is a mighty presence on today’s music radar and across many genres; deserving to be mentioned in the same breath as Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix for creativity. Career defining just doesn’t cover it!