Editorial STUFF
ISSUE 1029: This issue we welcome back Neo-Soul royalty as Maxwell graces our cover and affords us a very welcome interview pre his UK dates with fellow royal headliner, Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige ...Also this issue: A cracking interview with authentic Soul supremos, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, as they dive into the charts with their album, “Sea Of Noise”. If you like your Soul served funky side up, with a huge helping of style, then you’ll love our Jamie Lidell chin-wag. Talking of style, they’ve hit the top spot in the UK Soul chart, now find out what all the fuss is about as Kindred The Family Soul drop by for an in-depth interview. Also scaling the chart, dynamic Soul duo, SouLutions, give B&S a candid / fascinating account of their often arduous journey as they strive to fulfil their musical ambitions... Acid Jazz fans prick-up your ears! D’Influence are back! Yes, you did here right. We get the lowdown on the long overdue return of these coooool customers! It wouldn’t be B&S if we didn’t follow a classic act with a brand new ‘one to watch’…this issue is slightly different, because we bring you 2! First, a group of highly talented individuals who have joined forces as, Ghosts Of Their Former Selves, releasing an album infused with a host of genres and exceptional talent to match - these guys are really quite special and we are over the moon to catch them in their infancy - watch this space… Talking of looking out for stars of the future, you can’t switch on a music channel on without seeing, Era Istrefi, in her purple fur lined attire on a snowy white-out - yes that one! The tasty tune is called “Bonbon” and we reckon this artist also has nothing less than a sweeeeet future ahead of her! ...Just time to mention our usual items, inc: news, reviews, competitions and of course our esteemed columnists, who are all eagerly waiting to share their exclusive news and experiences within the genre they proudly represent. Until next time! Lee TylerB&S
Maxwell: The Heart Whisperer
Maxwell is back! The Neo-soul star recently dropped a stunning new album, the second of his Blacksummers’night trilogy, plus recent UK arena tour dates with Mary J. Blige... so there's plenty to talk about...
Myles Sanko: Soul Exemplifier
B&S' Karen Lawler talks to the lovechild of soul, Myles Sanko, about his new album "Just Being Me". Plus musical influences, film aspirations, MC'ing, Gregory Porter and playing by royal appointment...
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...
Temptations, Four Tops & Tavares: O2, LONDON 27/9/16
Responsible for some of the best-known hits from possibly the best-known record label in history, a joint headline tour by The Four Tops and The Temptations was always going to be a big event...
Mary J. Blige and Maxwell, O2, London 28/10/16
As statements of intent go, this was big. Branded the King and Queen of Hearts tour, one of London's biggest music arenas was booked to host joint headliners, Mary J Blige and Maxwell...
Van Morrison and Jeff Beck, O2, London 30/10/16
Septuagenarian heavy hitters and truly masters of their craft, Jeff Beck and Van Morrison, closed this year's successful BluesFest with aplomb and rounded off a top blues blasting weekend in the capital...
Jazz Voice (London Jazz Festival): Royal Festival Hall 11/11/16
What promised to be a stellar evening celebrating the 'singer' and the 'song' went somewhat off-piste to say the least..
Hannah Williams & The Affirmations + Crowd Company Rah Rah Room London 10/11/2016
The old Pigalle Club has now been transformed into a new guise still swish and a great venue for the likes of this hot young band and singer.....
Carleen Anderson : The Jazz Cafe Camden 18/11/2016
The songs feels so minimal and spacious and are the perfect vehicle for her rock-solid integrity. Every instrument, every stab is placed in the most requisite place tunes such as 'Upwards From The Ground','Cage St Memorial',
Kandace Springs : Union Chapel London 14/11/2016
Tonight, perched at a majestic black grand piano stage right,Springs seemed downright jovial and elated as she reminisced and added colorful banter between songs
Gladys Knight + Polly Gibbons, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham 3/7/16
Ms Gladys has a real license to thrill tonight….Red hot, on fire, her vocal prowess simply stunning. This was not just a concert, this was an experience. The Gladys Knight experience.
William Bell & Tony Momrelle: The Barbican Centre, London 18/11/16
Five-and-a-half decades may have passed since William Bell released his first record, but his passion for music is there to be seen... Tony Momrelle delivered a great showcase for his impressive vocal range...