Editorial STUFF

ISSUE 1035: Setting our stall out for the coming year in typical B&S fashion, our magazine cover star is one of the hottest prospects on the planet right now. And with 5 Grammy nominations to his name already and plenty of chart action of late, Khalid looks like he will be setting the music world on fire in the coming months. Congratulations Khalid on your first international (print) cover, I’m sure it’s going to be the first of many... How do we follow that? Well, how about an interview with UK Jazz great Courtney Pine and a chat with UK Soul royal, Mica Paris? Pine recently released his critically acclaimed album, “Black Notes From The Deep” with a little help from the godfather of UK Soul, Omar, who’s honey-glazed vocals compliment perfectly. Equally impressive Paris has devoted her considerable talent to performing a show which is dedicated to the late and ever so great, Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald...Other standout interview exclusives include dance world’s man of the moment, Mark Kinchen A.K.A. MK, who’s stellar tune “17” has hit the top of charts far and wide. Remember when 90’s R&B vocal harmony groups ruled the world, One Twelve were at the forefront of that revolution and the great news is, they are back with a brand new album, “Q Mike Slim Daron”. Funk faves Crowd Company are also in interview action as they release their cracking debut, “Stone & Sky”. And the Godfather of Soul, James Brown’s righthand women Ms Martha High releases something very special as she teams’s up with authentic Japanese funk & soul outfit Osaka Monaurail for the release of new album, “Tribute To My Sisters”... Our two featured artists to watch out for this issue might be different in style but are very similar in star potential. US artist Jacquees is heavyweight label Cash Money Records latest signing with singles already gracing the chart and new album “4275” rumoured to drop in the spring. UK artist Nyree brings a deft mix of genres delivered with plenty of soul - single “A Brighter Shade Of Love” is about to do good things and her “International Girl” album (due spring) will no doubt be highly anticipated... We have a plethora of tasty live events from current Hip-Hop champs Run The Jewels at Brixton, he’s called the Lenny Kravitz of the Jazz world - blinding upright bassist Miles Mosley was on fire at the Islington Assembly Hall and last but by no means least soulsationally talented SZA and contemporary R&B thriller Bryson Tiller both sizzled at Hammersmith Apollo. There’s also a live review from B&S’ Northern Soul stalwart Frank Elson as he checks out Little Hutton Conservative Club near Manchester... Our all-time Top 500 singles countdown enters its final stages as we rundown (82-51) and review a whole host of outstanding releases from the last 50 years. Other charts include the Grooveyard Essentials dance chart, Smooth Grooves R&B chart and the B&S (get them while they are) Hot chart. Also, Richard Searling looks back/lists his fascinating “Blues & Soul Power” tracks, compiled for his Radio Manchester show... Lastly, as per, our columnists are here to share their knowledge in the genres they love and in this issue, reflect on another event-filled year in Dance (Ben Lovett), R&B (Bigger), Modern Soul (Ralph Tee), Blues (Jon Harrington) and Northern Soul (Richard Searling) as well as look forward to an exciting 2018. Here's to a great year for music and an even better one next year! Lee Tyler (Editor)B&S