Lee Fields – ‘Sentimental Fool’ (Review)
Talk about longevity in soul, Lee Fields released his first record in 1969 and is still making new music. The soul veteran – who made a brief foray into real […]
Jules Buckley & Sheléa honour Aretha (Review)
Though monikered the ‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin mastered the realms of jazz, blues, and gospel with unwavering conviction. Celebrated recently in both the biopic Respect and the National Geographic […]
Lady Blackbird – ‘Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You’ (Review)
Sometimes covering someone else’s material can be the most powerful demonstration of one’s artistry. Black Acid Soul, the debut album from the magnificent Lady Blackbird, with its stripped down renderings of […]
Jules Buckley Discusses His Aretha Prom
This season of the BBC Proms will honour the late Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. With his newly formed ensemble, conductor Jules Buckley will join forces with vocalist and Quincy […]
Angela Winbush, Regina Belle, and Brenda Russell in Concert (Review)
Three soul music icons finally made it to the Barbican for this special, one-night-only event. London was hit by a ‘Soul Explosion’ last night as three musicians steeped in the […]
Thee Sacred Souls – ‘Easier Said Than Done’ / ‘Overflowing’ (Review)
San Diego-based outfit Thee Sacred Souls impressed this writer with their debut ‘Can I Call You Rose‘ a few years ago. They bring the same laidback energy and gentle soulfulness […]
Cynthia Erivo – Legendary Voices (Review)
“I’m basically indulging myself,” joked Cynthia Erivo, thrilled to make her BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall performing songs recorded by her most adored vocalists. But, in choosing […]
Jamison Ross – ‘Tell Me You Love Me’ (Review)
It’s been a while since we heard new material from Jamison Ross, the Grammy-nominated artist who combines virtuosic drumming with sonorous vocals. Ross’ last studio project, 2018’s All For One, included […]
Acantha Lang – ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ (Review)
‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ is a feel-good tune from the bluesy Acantha Lang, flavoured with the vintage horns and live instrumentation we’ve come to expect from this talented artist. Her […]
Gladys Knight at Royal Albert Hall, 2022 (Review)
It is easy to make allowances for legacy artists whose voices, after 50 years or so in the business, may not be in tip-top shape. But no such allowances should […]
Mica Millar – Heaven Knows (Review)
Mancunian singer Mica Millar displays an array of soulful influences on her richly explorative debut album. Flavoured with retro soul, piano-driven balladry, and blue-eyed soul midtempos, Heaven Knows is a tight, cohesive […]
Our favourite Gladys Knight live performances!
The Empress of Soul Gladys Knight is again gracing the stage of the Royal Albert Hall, having last performed there in 2019. You can buy tickets here. In advance of […]
Ego Ella May – ‘The Morning Side of Love’ (Review)
Enchanting neo-soul chanteuse Ego Ella May offers a modern reinterpretation of a 1970s jazz instrumental with ‘The Morning Side of Love’, originally released by drummer and bandleader Chico Hamilton on […]
Dionne Warwick at the London Palladium (Review)
The 2020s have already been full of surprises. Obviously, the global coronavirus pandemic sits at the top of the list. But I’m not sure many anticipated the rise of Dionne […]