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
Jazz FM Awards announce 2018 nominees
After last year’s glittering event, the 2018 Jazz FM Awards looks to like it will also a night to remember - on April 30th the Shoreditch Town Hall will be playing host once more...
Khalid: The A Teen
Natty Kasambala talks to platinum selling B&S artist of the year Khalid about his thoughts, feelings and methodology making his storytelling masterclass of debut album, "American Teen"...
Courtney Pine: Sax Education
Pete Lewis interviews trailblazing British jazz multi-instrumentalist and national treasure Courtney Pine CBE around the release of his nineteenth album “Black Notes From The Deep”...
Mica Paris: From Paris With Love
British soul royal Mica Paris talks to Chaz Brooks about her music-infused upbringing and her new Jazz/Soul project, 'Mica Paris Sings Ella Fitzgerald'...
Nyree: Soul Food Connoisseur
Karen Lawler talks to B&S one to watch and all round special Soul talent, Nyree. With new album "International Girl" about to open many a door, we get the lowdown on our future star...
Crowd Company: The In Crowd
B&S contributer Emrys Baird gets on the funk trail and finds a band getting their funky strut on in the shape of Crowd Company who have been gently honing their art and getting their greasy grooves on for well over four years now...
Oli Lazarus: 15 Years Of Papa Records
As one of London's finest soulful labels, Papa Records, celebrates 15 glorious years of releasing great music. We look back at some of the highlight's with label boss Oli Lazarus...
Bryson Tiller and SZA: Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London 28/11/17
Bryson Tiller was a worthy headliner, but I'd be surprised if SZA's name isn't top of the bill next time she's on these shores...
Ken Boothe: Inna De Yard
Something of a grand occasion in the Reggae world when Ken Boothe releases a new album...and who hasn't shed a tear listening to probably the most touching Reggae love song of all "Everything I Own"?
The Haggis Horns : one of these days
Someone's been watching a dose of blaxploitation movies and I heartily concur (for the most part) with the choices in direction the Leeds based funk unit are taking.
Mr M's Northern Soul Oldies Room 1974-1981
Let's face everybody loves a bit of northern it's just so goddam breezy and puts you in a good mood.American soul music adopted by the north of England and one such place Wigan, is synonymous with this great golden era spanning here from 1974-19
Bar-Kays: AS one/ Nightcruising/Propositions/dangerous
Night Crusing' sees them heavily influenced by (but matching) Rick James, as this album portrays the musical zeitgeist of the times bands such as SOS band,Cameo,Prince,The Fatback Band - a golden era
Trevor Nelson: Slow Jams (UMOD)
The DJ with the Midas touch spins his magic once again and is set to top his 900,000 breath-taking UK album sales record with this new whopping tome of slow jam R&B blessedness...