Editorial STUFF

ISSUE 1046: Fresh from our Music Publication Of The Year award triumph, it's time to bring you the first instalment of Blues & Soul magazine for 2020, and what an issue we have on store for you! Having tracked the career of our cover artist from day one, her rise to prominence has been nothing less than impressive since she signed to uber-cool Brighton based independent soul/funk label, Jalapeno records. It's an absolute pleasure and privilege to welcome the hugely talented soul/gospel/blues singer/songwriter/keys playing superstar in the making, Izo Fitzroy, to our cover this issue. How do you follow that? Well, how about world music's finest Amadou & Mariam and gospel kings the Blind Boys Of Alabama double interview with both landing in the UK for a very special set of dates. She's been a Northern Soul heroine, Bond girl, model and now Susie Vanner has come back to her first love, which is making music for the masses with a brand new album in tow and an enthralling life stay to tell - welcome back Susie! Canada's finest, The Soul Motivators, tell us why they are UK bound and armed with their distinct brand of authentic soul and funk. Mello Festival head-honcho Steve Cass gives us a 5th birthday low-down on Worcestershire's best festival destinations and last, but by no means least, legendary DJ/producer and soulful house pioneer Timmy Regisford gives a rare catchup interview, with new release top of the topic of conversation. If those artists weren't enough, we look back at the careers of reggae champion David Rodigan and funk royal Nile Rogers and look forward to upcoming summer dates from both artists. Our print issues live reviews from The Best Horizon Festival at the O2 Brixton Academy, London. We attend Crowd Company's cool as funk sold out "Lowdown" album launch at PizzaExpress Jazz in Soho, London and we review the packed out touring triumph, Magic Of Motown, at The Hawth in Crawley. The Blues & Soul Years visit the mixed bag that was 1990, where Snap ("The Power") ruled the airwaves, Dee-Lite smashed it with "Groove Is In The Heart", Quincy Jones featured a who's who on his album, Johnny Gill made his mark in the UK, MC Hammer donned his genie trousers for "You Can't Touch This" with the help of a Rick James lick, Vanilla Ice super chilled the chart with "Ice Ice Baby" and female acts, including Tina Turner "Foreign Affair", Lisa Stansfield "Affection", Janet Jackson "Rhythm Nation "1814", Anita Baker "Compositions" and Whitney Houston "I'm Your Baby Tonight" showed the guys how to release critically acclaimed platinum-selling albums. Plus a lot more happenings in 1990 long with B&S charts and the poll winners from that year. Chart action includes our new B&S Upfront Urban Chart, Ben Lovett's Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart, Bigger's Smoove Grooves R&B Chart, the most up-to-date soul/r'n'b Hip List and Richard Searling presents his '70s Soul Lovers List. As usual B&S columnists Ben Lovett (Dance), Bigger (R&B), Richard Searling (Northern Soul) and Ralph Tee (Modern Soul) are on hand to share their expertise, latest news, reviews and comment on the genres they proudly represent. Unfortunately, no Frank Elson this issue - get well soon Frank! Don't forget! Our Soulfully Social page is where you can have your say! Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (all @BluesandSoul) and let us know what you think and we could be adding your comments to our next print issue! Lee Tyler (Twitter @LeeTyler13)B&S