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
Boomtown Fair announce 2020 lineup
The lineup for this year's Boomtown Fair has been unveiled, with the Wu-Tang Clan, Damian Marley, Kano and Kool and The Gang among those on the star-studded bill...
Gangstagrass video exclusive: Twist It
In the past B&S has taken great pride in announcing new genres / sub-genres within the music we love, today is no exception as we proudly present a band which is familiar, yet totally different... Gangstagrass
read moreWretch 32 Announces UK Headline Shows
In celebration of the release of his Top 5 new album ‘Growing Over Life’ via Polydor Records, Wretch 32 has announced two UK headline shows for November.
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...
Ty: No Ordinary Visionary
It's been 8 years since the release of critically acclaimed album "Special Kind Of Fool" now TY is back with equally credible "Work Of Heart" and as you can imagining, there's a lot of catching up to do...
The Herbaliser: Return To The Mix
Pete Lewis meets London jazz/hip/hop/funk outfit The Herbaliser, who this month release their first album in five years - “Bring Out The Sound” - through UK independent BBE Records...
GHETTS: Ghetts to make a point
It's a decade since the release of Ghetts classic mixtape “Ghetto Gospel”, a one-off performance at London's Roundhouse will celebrate this special milestone - we get the lowdown from the man himself..
B Cool-Aid album launch: The Cause, London 9/4/23
It's fitting that in order for B Cool-Aid - a longstanding collaboration between rapper Pink Siifu and producer Ahwlee - to launch the album in the UK, they invited some big hitters for a party in East London...
DJ Tron: Candela (BurningSoleRecords)
DJ Tron is a Swiss DJ, producer, and co-label owner. He has gained recognition for his eclectic style and ability to blend various genres...
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!
Lupe Fiasco: Drogas Light (1st & 15th/Thirty Tiggers’ Records)
I’m wondering why the Fiasco is Lupe, trying to catch some action of a market that he surely don’t really need? But now he’s coming like a new jack and dropping it like he’s the new boy...
DJ Spatts: Works of Friction
DJ Spatts, a man who has been making music since 1985, emerging out of the Milton Keynes Hip Hop scene as a member of The Criminal Minds, he now offers us his latest project Works of Friction...
Iggy Azalea: The New Classic (Virgin EMI Records)
While, this bound to be a favourite among Iggy fans, it’s a subject that’s been done millions of time before and it’s been done better. "The New Classic" has more misses than hits…
