Editorial STUFF
In issue 1049 we feature yet another heady mix of music of black origin artists. First up, proudly adorning our cover this issue, international soul superstar Aloe Blacc releases his most personal, candid and spiritually uplifting album yet. Also, we have an exclusive interview with jazz icon Gregory Porter. Complimenting those two must-read interviews, it’s been 5 years since his last studio album, as we welcome back jazz/soul connoisseurs favourite Jarrod Lawson as he gives us the lowdown on his new project. We have a candid chat with the high priestess of Aussie soul, Kylie Auldist. Highly lauded jazz/soul artist Jordan Rakei gives us an exclusive on his dance music alter ego, Dan Kye, and if you like your soul music sunny side up with a side order of rhythm & blues then you’ll love our interview with Samantha Martin who is continuing to impress with her band Delta Sugar... After a 6 month break due to the current worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, we welcome back live events to our pages with open arms... all events we covered were socially distanced and we have to commend the artists, promoters and venues for their determination to put on live events once more. The shows we reviewed included Centreforce Radio’s Pineapple In The Park and 2 shows at London’s Jazz Cafe where we were lucky to catch the talents of Tony Momrelle and Reuben Richards & the Jezebel Sextet. With the hope of more live event normality in the not too distant future, we plan to bring you as many live reviews as possible when it is safe to do so. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Duncan Payne’s regular feature The B&S Years travels back to 1985 and the fascinating chart tug-of-war between r&b/soul stars Freddie Jackson and Alexander O’Neil plus, the rise of Whitney Houston and the other chart stars who made headlines that year. 1985 also saw the advent of hip-hop mixed with scratch DJ’s and electro, memorable live shows from a whole host of soul superstars and the UK club scene was as vibrant as ever. This feature also includes the B&S poll winners and charts from this year... Charts in the print issue include the B&S Upfront Urban Chart, Bigger’s R&B Smoove Grooves Chart, Ben Lovett’s Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart and probably the coolest chart on the planet, the r&b and soul finger squarely on the pulse, Hip List. This issue also includes Richard Searling’s Collector’s Special list and his Jazz FM Soul Weekender Playlist A.KA. Richard Searling’s “Soundtrack To My Life!” B&S columnist Ralph Tee brings you all the latest modern soul news and releases, Ben Lovett delivers a dance music must-read, Bigger shares all the shakers and movers info in the world of R&B and Richard Searling gives the latest low-down on all things northern soul. Talking of northern soul, B&S’ Frank Elson provides an absorbing read as he revisits a classic Checkin’ It Out column from February 1981... These is just to mention our Soulfully Social page 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! Till then, stay safe and don’t forget to listen to plenty of music! Lee Tyler (Editor) Twitter/Instagram @LeeTyler13B&S
Win Donna Summer's 40th Anniversary celebrating
Win the Queen Of Disco’s 40th Anniversary celebrating album! We have been given 3 remastered Donna Summer chart-topping “The Wanderer” LP’s to give away, all you have to do to win a copy...
Win Victor Chukwu & The Black Irokos CD’s
We have 5 Victor Chukwu & The Black Irokos double CD’s containing “Akalaka” and “The Power” albums up for grabs. All you have to do to win a copy is to answer our artist related question...
Aloe Blacc: Life Stories
B&S Editor Lee Tyler talks to soul superstar Aloe Blacc about his deeply personal new album "All Love Is Everything”, a song dedication to his wife and his 'special' relationship with dance superstar Avicii...
Gregory Porter: Return Of The Cool
Chaz Brooks talks to jazz superstar Gregory Porter about his latest album, ”All Rise". Also his fantasy band lineup, love for the UK, thoughts on lockdown, racism and writing a song about Jools Holland...
Jarrod Lawson: Going Back To The Future
Reinvigorated jazz-soul star Jarrod Lawson talks to B&S Editor Lee Tyler about his album "Be The Change", working with Moonchild and his thoughts on his "Blue-Eyed Soul Boy Jazz" moniker...
Hollis Parker: From New York with love…
B&S' Ben Lovett interviews hotly tipped enigmatic DJ-producer Hollis Parker about his career-changing move from New York to live in London and his recent sophomore album release “Newscapism”...
JUBE: Keep Rising!
Editor Lee Tyler talks to B&S one to watch and hotly-tipped jazz/soul/pop/funk act JUBE, who after 12-years in the making, have finally released their debut album As One Door Closes...
Southend Jazz Funk Ft.The Soul Immigrants & Anita Carmichael
The Park Inn Radisson Hotel braved the oppressive climate and along with Saxology Records/ Ents put on a great night of funk and soul kicking off with jazz doyenne Anita Carmichael who is making something of a comeback
Smoove & Turrell: Motorhouse, Sunderland 13/11/20
UK Dance Album Chart-toppers Smoove & Turrell delivered a first-class lockdown show via live stream from the Motorhouse Studios in Sunderland for their devoted fans who paid/watched via YouTube...
Jalapeno Records: Two Decades Of Funk Fire: Various Artists (Jalapeno)
Twenty years and still going strong, this well-rounded compilation with 20 great sounding quality tracks is a real testament to Jalapeno Records and label owner Trevor McNamee...
Kelly Finnigan: a joyful sound (Colemine Records)
Much lauded Monophonics main man Kelly Finnigan releases an Christmas album full of festive gems and supreme soul nuggets...
The Tibbs: Another Shot Fired (Record Kicks)
The song-craft is strong and there is a distinct, incisive focus and they bristle with innate confidence. "Another Shot Fired" cuts to the chase quickly as the refined muscularity of the band shines through...
The Organauts: I Feel Love (Superfly Funk and Soul Records)
The Organauts hit the ground running with this superb slice of heavy Hammond funk. It’s a maiden voyage too, for new record label boss and famed DJ, Pete Brady...
Myles Sanko: Rainbow In Your Cloud (Légère Recordings)
“‘Rainbow In Your Cloud”, the sophomore release from Sanko’s eagerly awaited March 2021 slated album, shows the consummate soul man’s vocal positively flourishing while on-point backing drive this track...