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
Cross The Tracks 2023
Cross The Tracks 2023 is a one-day spectacular in Brixton's Brockwell Park and will also feature a stand-out array of new talent, as well as an enviable bill of established artists...
Demon Music launch Singles Club
Now here is something special, the launch of The Demon Music Singles Club, featuring newly mastered 7 and 12-inch reissues across various genres and eras...
Love Supreme Jazz Festival announce 2022 headliner Erykah Badu
One of the coolest festivals in the world just got cooler as Love Supreme Jazz Festival announce multi-Grammy-winning neo-soul Queen, Erykah Badu, as their Saturday headliner on 2nd July 2022....
Isaac Odeniran (Zoe Records): God's Plan
Assistant Editor Pete Lewis interviews Isaac Odeniran, Founder and Director of “the premier British Black Gospel Music label”, the East London-based independent Zoe Records...
Rachel John: More Than A Feeling
Blues & Soul Editor Lee Tyler talks to West End star, turned essential gospel artist, Rachel John, about her inspired debut album "From My Lips To God’s Ear” featuring hymns written by true gospel greats...
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...
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...
Luana: Buckle Up (Dybli/Burning Sole Records)
Co-founder of Burning Sole Records, Emanuel Westdijk strikes out with a brand new subsidiary label called Dybli...
Harbans Srih : The Wireman b/w Beyond the Cosmic Rays
The much respected Detroit,US label Funk Night Records have picked this up and rightly so
Oded Nir & Derrick McKenzie Ft. Jenner McKenzie: Alive (Suntree Records)
Suntree Records boss (and amazing bass-playing wizard!) Oded Nir teams up once again with top drummer and producer Derrick McKenzie (of Jamiroquai fame) on their second collaboration, Alive...
The Soul Tune Allstars : The Soul Of A Viking
The album is unashamedly influenced by Blaxploitation music which refers to the musical soundtracks that were created for this genre of films popular in the 1970s.
Joseph Malik: Proxima Ebony (Ramrock Red)
Now here’s something really special from Scottish soulful talent, Joseph Malik, as he delivers another impeccable body of work on his fifth artist album, Proxima Ebony...
Instant Funk: The Albums 1976-1983 (RobinSongs)
Their music is characterized by infectious grooves, tight rhythm section, and catchy hooks which made them popular in the disco and funk era...