US jazz and soul vocalist Nicole Henry will visit the UK in October to perform a series of shows in celebration of the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Nicole will be accompanied by a UK six-piece band led by Musical Director and guitarist Nick Fitch. Band members are: Michael Underwood [saxophones]; Freddie Gavita [trumpet]; Nick Fitch [electric & acoustic guitars]; Joe Hill […]

Windrush Festival Bernie Grant Arts Centre, London June 13-127 Although the scandal of the Windrush deportations may be out of sight it is by no means out of mind among many black Britons who were outraged at the most heinous consequence of the Tory government’s ‘hostile environment for immigration’. As a countermeasure there have been calls to celebrate the achievements […]

Steve Nichol, founder of the acclaimed London soul pioneers Loose Ends, is back after a 30-year hiatus and working on a new solo album project, SON One. Due in early 2020, the new set will feature production and writing collaborations with UK soul artists Soulpersona and George Anderson, as well as US acts, including Parice Rushen. Vocals will be supplied […]

Lasperanza are to play their first ever live date at the Hideaway, Streatham, SW16 on July 4. Mainman Rico Garofalo reports the show will see the whole of the Seeds album performed – and eight of the nine vocalists featured on the album will be on stage. Tickets from www.hideawaylive.co.uk  

The Ends Festival, due to take place over three days at the end of May/beginning of June in Croydon’s Lloyd Park, has been adding more star names to the extensive line-up. Here’s the up-to-date run-down: Friday, May 31 Headliner Nasplus De La Soul, Ghetts, A2, Kojey Radical, Nadia Roseand Rachael Anson. Saturday, June 1 Headliner Wizkidplus Wande Coal, Maleek Berry, […]

Boston’s ace singer-songwriter Jen Kearney, now residing in South London, is bringing her quartet to the Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London on May 25. https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/jen-kearney-quartet Jen has further dates throughout the year too. If you can’t get to this month’s London gig, check her at one of these: London, Under The Bridge [July 5]; Southend-on Sea, Village Green Festival […]

New Daughters Of Africa: An International Anthology Of Writing By Women Of African Descent. Edited by Margaret Busby[Myriad] With more than 200 black women writers in its 700 eventful pages, this inspiring collection punches above its very considerable weight. Editor Margaret Busby, who was at the helm for its predecessor 25 years ago, proves again to be as discerning and […]

Lighthouse Family are back – with a brand new studio album in May and a live tour this autumn. After a gap of 18 years since their last recording, original LF members Tunde Baiyewu and Paul Tucker have reunited to cut a whole album’s worth of new material, Blue Sky In Your Head. It will be released on May 3 and contain and […]

The Love Supreme Festival has announced another wave of acts confirmed to perform at this summer’s event, which returns to Glynde Place in East Sussex from July 5-7. Joining a line-up that already includes the likes of Lauryn Hill, Gladys Knight, Jamie Cullum, Snarky Puppy, Chick Corea and Kamaal Williams will be some of the standout artists from the UK […]

What’s being termed their final album, The Last Word is coming in April from the legendary Philly soulsters The O’Jays.Eddie Levert, Walter Williams and Eric Grant have already dropped the first single online: I Got You is a trademark O’Jays slice of PIR-style soul music, on this occasion produced by Betty Wright as well as Steve Greenberg, Mike Mangini and Sam HollanderThe album will be available from April 19 and is currently available for […]