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
Southport Weekender festival - line up announced!
In what has been one of the most hotly anticipated line-up announcements since Jack built the house back in the 80s, The Southport Weekender festival finally told the World today what they have in store on June 10...
Splendour Festival Bags Grammy-Winner Jess Glynne For 2016 Headline Spot
Jess Glynne and UB40 among the big acts at this year's one day Splendour Festival near Nottingham on Saturday 23rd July.
Jess Glynne To Tour The UK
The unstoppable and monstrously talented Jess Glynne has announced a major UK tour for the Autumn. Following the announcement of her debut album ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ which will drop in August.
Pete Tong: Always Essential
Ben Lovett talks to UK DJ legend Pete Tong about his new EP, “Pete Tong + Friends: Ibiza Classics”, post-pandemic dance floors, climate change, daughter Becky and once working at Blues & Soul Magazine...
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”...
Thommy Davis: Take a bow...
B&S Editor Lee Tyler talks to one of the founding fathers of the Baltimore House, Thommy Davis, whose career credits over the last 40-years have made him a house and disco hero...
Smoove & Turrell: Sitting On Top Of The World
B&S Editor Lee Tyler interviews funk & soul's finest Smoove & Turrell about their new '90s dance-inspired/Ibiza chilled album, "Stratos Bleu" 3 single releases and keyboard surfing bandmate Mike Porter...
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...
Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel Ft. Heidi Vogel: Enamoreme (Imagenes Recordings)
If sumptuous Latin flava rocks your electronic dance boat then look no further, as producers Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel team up with The Cinematic Orchestra vocalist Heidi Vogel to boast an impressive vibe...
Bold Parade: Heat (Suzume Recordings)
Highly regarded producer and multi-instrumentalist, Paul McMahon (aka Bold Parade), follows up his "Flowers In The Dirt" debut stunner with a new 4-track EP titled, Heat...
Sonic Soul Orchestra Ft. Kathy Brown: So Into You (Quantize Recordings)
It's a fabulous new rendition of Michael Watford’s 1994 club hit, "So Into You", from Sonic Soul Orchestra and soulful diva Kathy Brown...
Erobique : No 2
‘Acquamarina’ is a killer track with bass line to boot and likewise with the sophisticated layers of ‘Ahoj!’The material is strong and refreshing sounding and the vocal tracks add variety.
Jason Herd & Barbara Tucker: Head Up High (Inc. Harry Romero Remix) Bohemian Disco
UK producer and DJ, Jason Herd joins forces with the legendary "Queen Of House", Barbara Tucker, on the fantastically uplifting Disco stomper "Head Up High", which hails the launch of brand new label...
Silky Steps: Universal Language (Funk Embassy)
Silky Steps are a 5-piece band from Estonia's capital Pernau. They have their own unique blend of neo-soul, nu-disco and pop-funk. Their music is driven by a slinky guitar and synths and smooth basslines...