Editorial STUFF

After featuring authentic soul/r&b/blues band The Teskey Brothers waaaay ahead of the rest, it gives us great pleasure to follow that with an exclusive interview with lead guitarist Sam Teskey, now turned solo singer/songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist on his lockdown derived outstanding new album, “Cycles”... Queen Of Lover’s Rock, Carroll Thompson, celebrates the 40th anniversary of her seminal all-time classic album, “Hopelessly In Love”. Acid jazz icons The Brand New Heavies update us on their new album plans and current tour goings-on. We get the party started with DJ/presenter/actor Craig Charles, who opens his Trunk Of Funk and tells us all about his brand new T.O.F. funk/soul compilation - well, Christmas is coming! Those inventive masters of the beat The Allergies are itching to tell us all about their new album “Promised Land”. Orchestra conductor, composer and arranger with a difference, Jules Buckley, pushes boundaries yet again! New album “The Breaks” features a heady mix of breakbeats, scratching and US funk which started in the ‘70s and took off in the ‘80s… Oh, and he also uses an orchestra! Naturally! DJ supreme: Huck Fin celebrates his 35th year on the decks and we bag a not to be missed exclusive with the man himself... New talent: in this issue, we present a triple helping of our “one’s to watch” feature. MC/DJ Elléot, a relative newcomer but is already making waves in the dance world. US singer/songwriter Louise Cappi deftly blends blues, soul, jazz and funk and is certainly one to keep an eye on, as is Acantha Lang, who infuses her blues roots with a quality contemporary soul and delivers next level soul/r&b. Read their exclusive stories right here and then watch out for releases/performances from these artists in the coming months… believe me, you’ll be glad you did! ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Live reviews include London events Yam Carnival at Clapham Common and Cross The Tracks at Brockwell Park. Also, the inaugural Great Yarmouth Soul Weekender features live performances from Incognito and The Brand New Heavies.... Charts/lists include B&S Urban Hot Chart, Grooveyard Essential Dance Chart, finger firmly on the pulse Hip List and for Philly lovers, were continue our 50th anniversary Philadelphia International Records celebration with a list of PIR’s Biggest UK Floor Fillers... Blues & Soul Years travels back to 1976, a pivotal year for the underground soul scene which had now drawn level with its soul counterpart, the northern soul scene. This feature also mentions the DJ’s/clubs, as well as the artists/tracks which stood out. There’s also ‘best of’ charts and B&S 1976 Reader’s Poll winners... B&S columnist Ralph Tee delivers bang-on reviews and latest release info. Grooveyard columnist Ben Lovett drops news and reviews the latest essential tracks. Richard Searling BEM brings an unmissable slice of what’s on and northern soul happenings and Frank Elson check’s out The Poppy Club near Preston. Lastly, don’t forget to check out our Soulful Social page, where you can have your say! Find us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook (all @BluesandSoul) and listen to the latest B&S tracklists and charts via the Blues & Soul profile on Spotify. Let us know what you think of our efforts and we could be adding your comments to our next print issue! Till then, stay safe. Lee Tyler (Editor) Twitter/Insta @LeeTyler13B&S