Editorial STUFF
B&S issue 1041: Cover stars don’t get more ‘Blues & Soul’ or “best in their genre” than blues superstar Gary Clark Jr. and scintillating soul talent Samm Henshaw. Both are currently in blistering form with outstanding album and EP releases so it’s an absolute pleasure to welcome both to their respective covers.... Other first-class interviews include Nervous Records boss Mike Weiss, who reflects on the label’s history and a new Brooklyn Session’s compilation. The life-affirming sounds of Michael Franti take centre stage as the soulrocker gives B&S the inside track on his new album, accompanying film and tells us what it’s like playing live shows in a prison and taking tea with the Dalai Lama. There’s hip-hop historical enlightenment care of genre heroes Rodney P, Blak Twang and Ty as they join forces to form the supergroup, Kingdem. Distinguished modern jazz outfit Us3 co-founder Geoff Wilkinson makes a long-awaited return with the luscious soul/jazz sounds of his new project, YLD (Wild). Last, but by no means least, last year’s end of year issue predicted the rise of reggae one to watch, Koffee, this issue follows-up that prediction as the artist takes her first steps towards stardom and tells B&S all about her new sounds and what it was like working with a pair modern reggae legends.... We bring you the best live action from the inaugural Beat Horizon Festival, jazz great Salena Jones is in vintage form at the Pheasantry in London. We witnessed grime’s finest, Kojo Funds, absolutely slay it at the Forum in Kentish Town. Yet more controversy surrounded rap star Azealia Banks recent visit to the UK and we were there to catch her memorable performance at the Electric in Brixton. And talking of memorable events, Frank Elson check’s out the goings on a The Old Stone Trough in Kelbrook, Burnley... Other must-reads include a playlist from iconic Northern Soul venue, The Blackpool Mecca, chosen by DJ’s Pete Haigh and Colin Curtis, no less. There’s also a list some of Northern Soul’s finest romantic tunes care of Richard Searling. Also, Duncan Payne rewinds and reminds as he takes the helm of The Blues & Soul Years once more and travels back to 1979 and disco’s last hurrah. Miss these crackers if you dare! Lastly, we feature our usual dance, R&B and hot release charts. Plus, regular columnists Ben Lovett (Dance), Richard Searling (Northern Soul), Bigger (R&B) and Ralph Tee (Modern Soul) who are all on hand to share their thoughts and expertise in their respective genres. How do we fit that lot in you ask? It’s a secret! Lol.Until next time. Lee Tyler (Editor) @LeeTyler13 @BluesandSoulB&S
Gary Clark Jr: Rebirth Of The Blues
B&S exclusive: Blues hero/B&S cover star Gary Clark Jr talks new album "The Land", how he leaned to play guitar, an appearance in Miles Davis biopic "Miles Ahead" and meeting blues icons...
Samm Henshaw: It's a soul devotion
Soul/R&B singer/songwriter/producer and B&S cover star Samm Henshaw talks influences, lyrical content/themes and the impact the church - as the son of a reverend - made on his youth....
Koffee: Cream of the crop
Pete Lewis interviews 18-year-old female Jamaican singjay Koffee around the release of her current, Walshy Fire-produced single “Throne” and soon-come debut EP “Rapture”...
Joel Culpepper: EartH, Hackney, London 20/3/19
Unsurprisingly there was a buzz around Earth in Hackney ahead of the 34-year-old soul singer's performance, with a large crowd packing the upstairs theatre in the impressive venue...
Alborosie + Hempolics + Trojan Sound System: O2 Forum Kentish Town, London 22/3/19
Alborosie is at the pinnacle of his career, he has built up an impressive catalogue of work since moving to Jamaica in 2001 and his rise to prominence is nothing short of extraordinary...
Atmosfear : 100 Club, London 8/3/19
Hands up who remembers Brit Funk? Well just to refresh your memory it was a halcyon period ( late 70's to early 80's) featuring such bands as Hi Tension,Light Of The World,Central Line,Imagination
Entropi + Sloth Racket Kings Place London 13/3/19
The Trumpet of Andre Canniere is the perfect foil to Byrne's urgent outpourings and out-leaning tendencies - his sound soothes the listener and adds another riveting dynamic
Roy Ayers: Union Chapel, Islington, London 12/4/19
The Godfather of Neo-Soul may be 78 now, but he's showing no sign of slowing down. His performance at the Union Chapel was the first of two nights at the stunning gothic church in Islington...
Gza: Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 19/4/19
Released back in 1995, GZA's "Liquid Swords" remains a masterpiece. Such is the strength of the album that in 2019, the Staten Island rapper can still do a tour off the back of it...
Jnr Walker &The All Stars: Walk In The Night The Motown 70's Albums
Few sounds from a tenor saxophone are more distinctive than the music of Jnr Walker. Once heard, it's never mistaken for anyone else's music
The Ethiopians : Engine 54
The late 60's was a defining moment for jamacian music and rocksready in particular, it became all the rage in the UK too.Leading the attack was the vocal group,The Ethiopians
Ajay Srivastav: Karmic Blues (Scion Records)
Ajay Srivastav blends Delta blues with Indian folk - yes, I said Indian folk! - which on paper may seem like chalk and cheese genre-wise but try telling that to your ears!
Humble Pie : Up Our Sleeve Official Bootleg Vol 3 5CD BOXSET
When it comes to blue eyed soul singers perhaps there is no one better than Steve Marriott.Quite frankly he was a force of nature and an incredible performer who excelled in playing bluesy,gutsy and incredibly soulful
Judith Hill: Upside (Judith Hill Records)
It's a real shame his purpleness isn't around to hear this tune because he may well have clicked his heels and squealed with delight, such is fresh nature of this standout cut...