Editorial STUFF
In our end of year/ushering in 2022 issue, we bring you plenty of ‘best of’ charts, artists, tracks, albums and events which stood head and shoulders above the rest. And if that wasn’t enough, we also deliver our predictions for the year ahead. Our cover artist for this issue is immensely talented, AHI. We catch up with sublimely talented soul/r&b star Rahsaan Patterson. We also bring you interviews with not one but two elite DJs, DJ Huck Finn and ex-B&S staffer and DJ’ing lege Pete Tong. Kickstarting a brand new recurring feature, B&S’ Claire Tyler interviews Pete’s daughter Becky Tong and last, but by no means least, we interview renowned Texas-based genetic scientist (yes, you heard right) turned Southern rock and county soul singer/songwriter/keyboardist John Blangero A.K.A. Sun King Rising. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… Live reviews include Wizkid at the O2 in Greenwich, The Average White Band at G Live in Guildford and Bugzy Malone at the Indigo @O2, billed as the artist’s last ever tour - we hope not... Charts include Bigger’s Best Of 2021 R&B Smoove Grooves. Stay bang up-to-date with what’s hot and trending in the worlds of soul, r&b and jazz-soul via the Hip List. There are hip-hop and rap bangers galore on the B&S Urban Hot Chart and Ben Lovett drops his 2021 Dance Top 5’s and continues to set the pace with his not to be missed Grooveyard Essentials Dance Chart... Duncan Payne’s regular feature the B&S Years travels back to 2001 and highlights many US artists who were making their mark in the world of black music. The B&S Years also features the best artists/tracks, albums and B&S Poll Winners in 2001... Columns this issue include Bigger’s Smoove Grooves (r&b), Ralph Tee’s Modern Soul Sessions, Richard Searling’s Runout Groove (northern soul), Ben Lovett’s Grooveyard (dance), Frank Elson’s Checkin’ It Out @Blackburn Oldies all-dayer (northern soul). 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 next time, Lee Tyler *Twitter @LeeTyler13 Spotify Profile: Blues & Soul #BlackLivesMatterB&S
Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over
Dionne Warwick’s film bio “Don’t Make Me Over” is a fascinating must-watch for Warwick fans and music appreciators alike. It’s a film which pays homage to a true living legend...
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AHI: Fully Focused
B&S' Karen Lawler interviews B&S cover artist and one to watch AHI who gives the lowdown on the creative process behind his latest album, Prospect...
Rahsaan Patterson 2.0
B&S Editor Lee Tyler catches up with soul/r&b royal Rahsaan Patterson who, along with uber-talented producer/remixer/DJ Quentin Harris, has housed up his immaculate 2019 album, Heroes & Gods...
The Brand New Heavies: Playing it Cool
Karen Lawler interviews Acid Jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary as they remember past glories and look forward to new releases in an unmissable interview...
Smoove & Turrell: Hootenanny, Brixton, London 10/03/2023
Kicking off with "Do It" from their "Stratos Bleu" album was a good move and got the audience onside and dancing from the start. The sound was good at the Hootenanny...
Joey Bada$$: Roundhouse, London 13/12/22
Joey Bada$$ bounded onto the stage and got the crowd going from the off, a lively version of "Survival Tactics" setting the tone for an excellent set. There was an excellent mixture of old and new material...
Akasha: The Bell Inn Bath 4/2/23
The atmosphere in the Bell was electric and it’s good to see this fantastic pub thriving due partly to it being bought by the community for the community...
TIm Garland & Jason Rebello: Life To Life (Whirlwind)
Sax player Tim Garland and pianist Jason Rebello, two of the most respected jazz musicians here in the UK join forces as a full throttle dynamic duo and the results are mightily impressive.
Diephuis & Aeres: Desert Sky (Diephuis Records)
"Desert Sky" is the musical fruits of the exciting new pairing of Dutch artists, Diephuis and Aeres. Enchanting and hypnotic, "Desert Sky" leans towards the more electronic side of afro/Latin house...
Todd Terry & Steve Mac: Jumpin (Keep On Jumpin Steve Mac Edit) Freeze Records
Just when you thought the hugely popular Todd Terry classics "Jumpin" and "Keep On Jumpin" were unlikely to be remixed ever again, along comes top UK dance producer Steve Mac...
Nightclubbing: Funky Magnetic & Del Blake (Imagenes)
This brazen interpretation known by most for its Iggy Pop original featured in the movie “Trainspotting” is re-envisioned by dance producers Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel A.K.A. Funky Magnetic...
MT Jones: In My Arms
There’s no doubt about it MT Jones has a gilt edged soulful voice that has a real spark which sees this young, promising soul rebel releasing single #2...
Finite Galaxy: You Are The One (Melting Thought Collective)
A slow burning, disco funk tinged groove led by a sensual and breathy voice seems to be the order of the day to newcomers of my ears, Finite Galaxy.
The Bamboos Ft. Ozay Moore: Mid Life Glow (BMG/Pacific Theatre)
You have to hand it to bandleader Lance Ferguson, he doesn’t for one-second rest easy on his laurels, the man doesn’t stop still!
