Blues and Soul Music Magazine

Issue 1098

Welcome to B&S

BRINGING YOU THE STORIES BEHIND MUSIC + ESSENTIAL NEWS, REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS

Editorial STUFF

In our end of year print issue we welcome back Mica Paris to our pages as the UK soul royal adorns our end of year flagship issue in stunning style. It's been 11-years since she dropped a new studio album and boy are we glad the South East Londoner has returned with an outstanding gospel release. How do you follow that you ask? Well, how about a lost interview with hip-hop gods Run DMC or a hat-trick of interviews with B&S soul-blues ones to watch Emma Wilson, Miss Freddye and Collette Cooper. Other stand-out interviews this issue include DJ-producer and label boss Sean McCabe talks new music, the evolvement of house and the effect of COVID-19 on the dance music industry. And if you thought that was interesting, how about an in-depth interview with UK independent funk/soul head honcho Trevor McNamee, whose Jalapeno Records label cap a memorable year of releases with a 20th Anniversary celebrating CD, download and box set compilation - find out what makes this leading label tick as McNamee gives us the label's longevity game plan in detail... This issue we include reviews for current and future album releases plus, as live events are proving hard to come by these days due to the ongoing world COVID-19 pandemic, we have thought outside the box and venue this issue by bringing you not only a Children of Zeus review that we were able to attend at London's Jazz Cafe as lockdown eased but also list the Best Live Events we attended this year before and in between lockdowns. Plus, B&S reviewer/photographer Dave Burke also lists his Best Live Events he's covered since he started contributing to B&S back in 2014. Both lists and show reviews are not be missed. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Charts include an extended to 40 track (originally 20) B&S Upfront Urban Chart, Ben Lovett's finger on the pulse Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart, Bigger's must-see R&B Smoove Grooves Chart and THE coolest chart in the universe, the r&b and soul plus everything in between banger chart, otherwise known as the Hip List. This issue also includes Richard Searling collated Playlist Faves from highly respected soul/northern soul DJ's Pete Haigh, Jimmy Scriv, Roman and BBC Radio's John Kane. This end of year issue also takes an extensive look at 2020's best tracks and artists plus we pick those who we feel will be making waves, creating headlines and have all the ingredients to dominate in their respective genres as we spotlight the artists who we feel will be Hot For 2021. B&S columnists Ralph Tee brings you all the latest modern soul news and releases plus a look back at 2020, along with a glimpse towards who and what will be hot in 2021. Ben Lovett delivers a dance music must-read column and lists this year's dance highs and big hopes for next year. Bigger reveals who's trending in the world of r&b and what acts we should look out for next year. Richard Searling gives the latest on all things northern soul, including planned events and latest news. Talking of northern soul, B&S' Frank Elson provides an absorbing read yet again, as he revisits a classic Checkin' It Out column from March 1976, when he paid a visit to The Londoner in Barnsley. This issue we welcome a brand new columnist, DJ/host of the Blues & Soul sponsored Soul Appreciation Society show on Street Sounds Radio. Also promotor, Smoove Grooves co-owner, sound system owner and he's got more pies than he's got fingers so I will just call him a businessman, Mr Flip himself… Flip Pearce. Who will be sharing his unique perspective on the music world and other intriguing subjects - welcome Flip! Last, but by no means least, our Soulful Social pages in this issue, 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 enjoy the music! Lee Tyler @LeeTyler13 #BlackLivesMatterB&S

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Mica Paris Mica Paris Mica Paris Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir on Mica Paris

Mica Paris: From Paris With Love

Assistant Editor Pete Lewis interviews British soul legend (and recent “East Enders” actress!) Mica Paris around the release of her acclaimed new album “Gospel”...

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Run DMC interview @bluesandsoul.com RUN DMC interview @bluesandsoul.com RUN DMC interview @bluesandsoul.com RUN DMC interview @bluesandsoul.com

Run DMC: Talk This Way

We present a 2018 lost interview with DMC, from hip-hop's finest Run DMC, as B&S' Dave Burke sits down for a chat about the rise of the legendary rap crew and the life of late band member Jam Master Jay...

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Jarrod Lawson interview @bluesandsoul.com Jarrod Lawson interview @bluesandsoul.com Jarrod Lawson interview @bluesandsoul.com Jarrod Lawson interview @bluesandsoul.com

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...

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Martha AB

Martha AB: Wants & Needs (inc. Lofty, Terminal 10 and JDN Beats Mixes)

With a voice as fresh as a spring daisy, Martha AB is a young new talent emerging on the London soul and jazz scene, who recently made her debut single "Wasting Time" with Terminal 10...

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Michal Martyniuk: How Do We Make It? Ft. Vanessa Freeman (Bigpop Records)

Michal Martyniuk: How Do We Make It? Ft. Vanessa Freeman (Bigpop Records)

Michal Martyniuk is lauded as one of New Zealand’s most talented contemporary Jazz artists, releasing 3 albums to date to great acclaim. However, on his new single, Michal brings...

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Kavita

Kavita: Goddess Deluxe - BB Boogie Mixes (I-Kue Recordings)

Daz-I-Kue (formerly from Bugz In The Attic) has been making waves with his fresh soulful sounds, releasing under his BB Boogie guise. And his latest production with UK songstress, Kavita...

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Bradd Marquis 'Love' B&S album review

Bradd Marquis: Love... (Soulman Music Group/LLC)

It's good to see evolving journeyman Bradd Marquis back and in such fine form, here is a man who lies at the heart of soul...

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Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio “I Told You So” (Colemine Records)

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio “I Told You So” (Colemine Records)

Heavy Hammond exponents Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio come up trumps and hit the ground running with this, their sophomore album, "I Told You So". This mighty fine collection of moves and grooves sees...

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S.E.L. Loc'd In Consciousness (S.E.L Music) REVIEW

S.E.L. Loc'd In Consciousness (S.E.L. Music)

There's plenty of life-affirming happiness here, which seems to be this artist's mission statement, as S.E.L. proves time and time again with this sterling platter of fresh songs...

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Soul1

Soulive: Get Down 21st Birthday Edition (Vintage League Recordings)

Eric Krasno displays his understated virtuosity with his surgically precise playing mixing funk and jazz like a master baker, backed by Neal Evans' affirmative organ playing and of course...

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Soulive 1

Soulive: 1999 Getting Down At Hampshire College (Vintage League Music)

Here you sense the seeds of a really cool band being sown, it also allows you to see where they came from and how fruitful of a journey it's been. This live slbum is fully realised and invigorating...

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Joanna Law: Rhythm of Years (Tangental Music)

Joanna Law: Rhythm Of Years (Tangental Music)

The release of "Rhythm of Years" marks a return to the fray for Joanna Law and sees her material finally make album form. It's a mix of old and new, never before released songs...

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Treasure Isle Presents Soul Power '68 - Various Artists (REVIEW)

Soul Power '68: Various Artists (Cherry Red Records)

1968 was a very impactful year on the vibrant soul scene of the day. Many will recall 1968 as the year that soul music found its political voice...

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Selva 1

João Selva: Navegar (Underdog Records)

Don't get me wrong I love Samba, Bossa and Latin but when it's given a funkier edge my ears prick up. Here JS has cleverly melded styles much in the way Manu Chao did years ago...

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From Jazz Funk & Fusion To Acid Jazz

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