Editorial STUFF

ISSUE 1046: We bring you not one but two outstanding cover interviews, firstly, the enthralling story behind the UK’s premier gospel label, Zoe Records, via head honcho Isaac Odeniran. Our double cover interview comes from Geordie soul and funk heroes Smoove & Turrell, who venture in a more ’90 dance/chilled Balearic direction with their new album, Stratos Bleu... How do you follow that, well, how about an interview with one of the best blues acts on the planet, singer/songwriter/blues guitar god Marcus King. We have a chat with Defected Record’s main man, ex-Blues & Soul contributor, DJ/producer/label boss, Simon Dunmore. He’s written some of the most well-known songs ever, now Memphis soul singer/songwriter Don Bryant steps away from his 154, yes, 154 song catalogue! To release his own album, “You Make Me Feel”. Last, but by no means least, The Allergies are back with their 6th long-player in 4 years! Wow! Delivering their now trademark mix of infectious samples, on-point dance breaks, deft rap rhymes and killer hip-hop style scratching, you won’t want to miss our catchup with this dynamic duo... There may be no live events to report on at the moment and we are all looking forward to the day they return, in the meantime, we have given you more of your favourite pages as all columnists have increased their contributions including Northern Soul’s Richard Searling and Frank Elson, R&B favourite Bigger, Dance expert Ben Lovett, Modern Soul’s finest Ralph Tee and B&S Editor focuses on the Black Lives Matter movent... Duncan Payne takes us back to the year 2000 with his not to be missed regular feature the Blues & Soul Years. This was a time when Jill Scott, Dynasty’s Child, Craig David and Eminem were making their mark. As usual, the year’s best releases and poll winners accompany this feature.... Charts this issue include the B&S Upfront Urban Chart, Ben Lovett's Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart, Bigger's Smoove Grooves R&B Chart, on-point soul/r'n'b Hip List and Richard Searling presents his Leeds Central All-Nighter and Soul Bowl Records late owner John Anderson’s Soul Discoveries lists... Don’t forget! Our Soulful 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! Stay safe, Lee Tyler (@LeeTyler13 socials)B&S