Welcome to Blues & Rhythm!

Blues & Rhythm, The Gospel Truth is published 10 times a year. Each issue contains in-depth articles, ground breaking interviews, discographies, regular feature columns and all the latest blues news, CD, DVD and book reviews.

Blues & Rhythm covers the full blues and R&B spectrum from pre and post war blues, rhythm and blues, doo-wop vocal groups, vintage soul and gospel and the contemporary blues scene.

Order a single issue!

To order a single issue, just make a Paypal payment to sales@bluesandrhythm.co.uk

UK: £7.00; EUROPE: £9.00; REST OF WORLD: £11.00

Paul Harris RIP

Posted on by

It is with great sadness we have learned of the death of  Paul Harris, the well known UK photographer, writer and rock & roll, blues and R&B fan, who died, following a long illness, on 12th April, just short of his 81st birthday.
Always active, he enjoyed playing squash right up to his mid-seventies, but about three years ago, he developed a spinal cord illness which severely restricted his mobility, meaning he had to cut back on his photographic activities. A major spinal cord operation was only a partial success, and he was later found to have developed colon cancer, necessitating further operations to remove the tumours, leaving him depending on a colostomy bag. Some improvement ensued and it was thought his health had turned a corner, but unfortunately, following recent surgery to remove the colostomy, he suffered a relapse and sadly died.
Paul had been a regular contributor to Blues & Rhythm (and other magazines) almost from the start of publication of B&R. Over many years Paul created a considerable archive of his own photographs of rock and roll, blues, R&B, country and rockabilly artists taken in the UK, Europe and the USA, including many fantastic and historical photos of artists from New Orleans and Louisiana including Fats Domino, Professor Longhair etc.
He was very much a Fats Domino fan, visiting him at his home in New Orleans as well as having one of the prime Fats record collections in the land.
Paul’s photos were regularly used in B&R and other magazines, as well as in books, album and CD covers and booklets. He also contributed reviews, gig reports and articles to B&R as well as Juke Blues, Now Dig This and other specialist music magazines. He battled right to the end, sending B&R photos when ever he could.
Paul was a gentleman, always willing to help. He was familiar to many who will have seen him down at the front of the stage at countless gigs, concerts and festivals with an array of still and video cameras looking for that  perfect shot. He will be missed by his many friends at B&R and in the wider blues/R&B world and we send our condolences to his wife Veronica, son Kevin and other family members. Thanks to Dickie Tapp.

Photo is of Paul Harris with Fats Domino, 20th April, 1981 at London’s Hammersmith Odeon.

NOW AVAILABLE B&R#360

JOE LIGGINS & ROY MILTON: Historical 1970s radio interviews with two giants of R&B by Dick Lillard.

PINKNEY ROBERTS: Guy Rawlings’ photo feature on the  ‘fashion plate M.C.’

TEXAS BLUES: Another in our historic Tary Owens Tapes series of interviews, this time with piano professor Erbie Bowser and club owner Johnny Holmes

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: Ray Templeton’s look at the books you need for the complete blues library – this issue – record companies and producers.

HOP WILSON:  Michael Corcoran’s feature on the Houston lap steel legend.

ROBERT LEE COLEMAN: Mike Stephenson interviews the Music Make Foundation bluesman and former James Brown guitar player.

CALVIN OWENS: Neil Slaven interview with B. B. King’s bandleader in his ‘Lost & Found ‘ series of interviews from the 1990s.

Plus Margie Evans, Quinton Claunch, Sam Frazier, Bob Porter, Paul Harris, Paul Osher, Norbert Hess, Blues Discography 3rd edition corrections/updates, Mike Stephenson’s Young Bluebloods, Chris Bentley’s Curiosities,  Johnny Ace, Eddie C. Campbell, Clyde McPhatter, Larry Williams, Little Richard and tons more…..

Still Available In B&R#359

MISSISSIPPI FRED McDOWELL: Vintage full interview/feature by Val Wilmer from 1971 with unique photos

JOHNNY OTIS: Final part of Steve Propes definitive feature based on interviews with Johnny, associates and band members – this issue features his recordings for a range of labels including Eldo, Hawk Sound, Columbia, his own recordings with R&B greats etc.

FORTUNE RECORDS STORY: Chris Bentley’s review/feature of a new book on the legendary Detroit label.

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: Ray Templeton’s look at the books you need for the complete blues library – including listing guides, discographies and biographical dictionaries.

MAHALIA JACKSON: Rare photo’s and posters from the Willy Leiser Collection

Plus: Chris Barber, Jessie Smith, Ray Campi, Sonny Roberts, Sam Montel, Louis ‘Gearshifter’ Youngblood, Hip Lankchan, Rev Ballinger, Howlin’ Wolf, Sunnyland Slim, Words Words Words by Chris Smith, On-line blues shows, Blues Discography 3rd edition corrections/updates, Mike Stephenson’s Young Bluebloods and tons more…..

Still Available In B&R 358

BILLY STEWART: Robert Pruter tells the story of the legendary R&B and soul artist in his series on rare Chicago R&B and soul.

JOHNNY OTIS:Part Three of Steve Propes definitive feature based on interviews with Johnny, associates and band members – this issue features 1956 – 1957 and Johnny’s Dig label and his move to Capitol Records.
ROY BROWN:Historic feature on Roy Brown’s tour of Scandinavia in 1978 by Jonas Bernholm.

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: Ray Templeton’s look at the books you need for the complete blues library – including listing guise and biographical dictionaries.

SMOKEY HOGG: Reviews of the new book on Smokey Hogg and accompanying CD

PLUS:Grady Gaines, Sherman Robertson, Mary Wilson, Winfield Parker, N Ben Wiley Paton, Mike Stephnson’s Blues Young Bloods, Blues Discography 3rd edition updates and corrections, More blues curiosities from Chris Bentley, Jimmy Rushing, Louisiana Red & Sugar Blue, Matchbox Pre War Blues Box sets;

Still Available In B&R 357

WAYNE BENNETT: Great interview with the legendary guitar player and Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland sideman by Bill Greensmith

JOHNNY OTIS: Second instalment (1953 – 1956) of Steve Propes massive four part feature on the entire career of Johnny Otis based on Steve’s interviews with Johnny himself and many R&B artists who were associated with him.

POISON GARDNER: Bob Fisher tells the story of the obscure boogie woogie and R&B pianist Poison Gardner, with lots of new information. Look out for a new CD featuring his recordings soon.

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: Ray Templeton focus’s on biographies including Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and Ledbelly, Little Walter and Blind Willie McTell

BIG JOE WILLIAMS: The second of Giles Oakley’s historic articles in The Listener magazine from 1976 which publicised Giles’ ‘The Devils Music’ series of documentaries.

PLUS: Chris Smith’s Words, Words, Words; Blues Records 3rd Edition Updates & Corrections; Mike Stephenson’s new series ‘Blues Young Bloods’ looking at new and up and coming blues talent. Plus: Van Broussard, Phil Spector, James Purify, Tomcat Courtney, Joseph Morganfield, Big Bob Kornegy, Welwyn Birchwood, Ann Cole, Henry Glover Story, Big Al Sear, Doug Sahm, Excavated Shellac and much more.

Still Available In B&R 356

JOHNNY OTIS: First instalment of a massive four part feature by Steve Propes on the entire career of Johnny Otis based on Steve’s interviews with Johnny himself and many R&B artists who were associated with him.

HENRY TOWNSEND: Art Shuna interviewed the great St. Louis bluesman for his radio show in 1993. The first of many unpublished interviews from Art Shuna WORT-FM show.

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: The second in a new series by Ray Templeton on the books you need on to read on Blues, R&B and Gospel music.

MARY LANE: Mike Stephenson interviews the great Chicago blues artist Mary Lane.

THE DAYLIGHTERS: Another great feature on rare and obscure Chicago R&B and soul artists by Robert Pruter.

PLUS: Blues Records 3rd Edition Updates & Corrections;  Chris Bentley’s Curiosities; Mike Stephenson’s first in a new series ‘Blues Young Bloods’ looking at new and up and coming blues talent. Rance Allen; Ferdie Gonzales; Len Barry; Sonny Green; Earl Bostic; Harry Smith B Sides and much more.

Still Available In B&R 355

BIG AL SEARS: Two great features on the legendary saxman! Dave Penny tells Big Al’s story. Plus From the Mr. R&B Tapes: Dick Lillard interviews Big Al – vintage interview from 1973.

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: The second in a new series by Ray Templeton on the books you need on to read on Blues, R&B and Gospel music.

VICTORIA SPIVEY: Giles Oakley’s article from 1976 which tied in with Giles’ legendary TV documentary ‘The Devil’s Music’

FRANKIE LEE SIMS: Michael Corcoran on the great Texas bluesman

DOWNHOME BLUES FROM MIAMI, ATLANTA AND THE SOUTH EAST: Neil Slaven’s review of the new box set from Weinerworld.

PLUS: Blues Records 3rd Edition Updates & Corrections;  Chris Smith’s Words, Words, Words; Mike Stephenson’s Under The Radar; Roy C; Rev John Wilkins; Lou Ragland; Roy Head; Guitar Crusher; A cappella Gospel; Ruth Brown; Barbara Lewis; Billy Boy Arnold; and much more.

Still Available In B&R 354

RENE HALL INTERVIEW:  Steve Propes interviews the great R&B  guitarist and session man on some of the great records he played on – from a radio interview on Steve’s show on KLON in 1988.

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: The first in a brand new series by Ray Templeton on the books you need on to read on Blues, R&B and Gospel music.

JAMAICAN R&B: Great feature by Jeremy Collingwood on US and homegrown R&B in Jamaica with lots of rare and historical label shots.

HENRY SPAULDING: Chris Smith looks at the recordings of this obscure pre-war recording artist.

THE DU-ETTES: Another great feature by Robert Pruter on rare Chicago R&B and Soul artists.

PLUS: Blues Records 3rd Edition Updates & Corrections;  Mike Stephenson’s Under The Radar; Helen Jones Woods; Hal ‘Cornbread’ Singer, Sterling McGhee; Eddie Daniels; Delores Washington; Vince Weber; Los Angeles Blues; Little Richard; Bobby Mitchell; Irma Thomas; James Booker; two competitions – and lots more.

COMING SOON IN B&R#361

THE CHUCK WILLIS STORY PART ONE: First in Mike Fenton’s two part story of Chuck Willis.

ROBERT COOKSEY – Sugar Foot Stomp – great pre war blues feature by Guido van Rijn

GOOD READIN’ TONIGHT: Ray Templeton’s on the books you need for the complete blues library – this issue – ‘Blues In The Real World’ featuring books by Paul Oliver and Guido van Rijn

THE OTHER LITTLE SON WILLIS: Post war blues obscurity by Bob Groom

DETROIT & CHICAGO 1972 : Historic photo feature by Hans Schweitz

Plus Words, Words, Words by Chris Smith; Blues Discography 3rd edition corrections/updates; Mike Stephenson’s Young Bluebloods; Lloyd Price, Bob Koester, Pervis Spann, Johnny Shines & Robert Lockwood, Magic Sam, Hound Dog Taylor

Still available B&R 353

Posted on by

THE BABY FACE WILLETTE STORY  : Bobby Tanzillo tells the ‘colourful’ story of the life and recording career of R&B and jazz organist Baby Face Willette who recorded for Blue Note, Vee Jay and Argo.

JAMES COTTON INTERVIEW: Another of Neil  Slaven’s ‘Lost & Found Series’ of unpublished interviews from the 1990’s.

THE RETURN OF DON BRYANT: Scott M. Bock interviews Hi star Don Bryant – currently on the comeback trail with two critically acclaimed albums.

FREE AT LAST: Ray Templeton previews an upcoming 3CD box set of post war gospel rarities

STUFF YOU DON’T SEE: Hans Schweitz’s rare photos from Hi Records 1972

PLUS: Mike Stephenson’s Under The Radar; Blues Records 3rd Edition Updates & Corrections;  Jaques Demetre; Tami Lynn; Rod Bernard; Peter Green; Bobby Jones; Chris Smith’s Words, Words, Words; Barrellhousin’ Around Chicago; R&B Instrumentals; Esther Phillips; Thurston Harris; Eddie Floyd;  Earl Scruggs; Dan Penn  and lots more. 

Still available B&R 352

Posted on by

THE LITTLE HOWLIN’ WOLVES: : Dave Williams chronicles the various blues artists who have associated themselves with Howling’ Wolf including Little Wolf’s etc;

JOHN MAYALL – ‘A BLUES LIFE’: Neil  Slaven previews a forthcoming mega box set on the father of the British blues.

GLORIA JEAN MANOR & THE ROLLETTS:  Tary Owen’s interviews Austin R&B bandleader Gloria Jean Manor. Who? Yes, highly obscure stuff – but a great insight into the Austin blues scene in the 1960s.

ZYDECO & CAJUN ESSENTIALS: Ray Templeton’s final instalment in this series looks at Cajun and Zydeco music in the UK. Ray will be back in B&R 354 with a brand new series of great writing and research.

THE FIVE DU TONES: More rare Chicago R&B and Soul by Robert Pruter. This time on the ‘Shake a Tail Feather’ vocal group

BLUES IN THE ALLEY: Peter Moody previews a new box set due soon on blues from Atlanta, Miami and the South Eastern States.

PLUS: Mike Stephenson’s Under The Radar; Blues Records 3rd Edition Updates & Corrections; Chris Bentley’s Curiosities; Jean DuShon; Gaynel Hodge, Frank Bey, Floyd Lee, Yvonne Baker,  Junior Wells Box Set, Robert Johnson biography, Mojo Buford, The Coasters, The Dubs,  Swamp Dogg and loads more. 

Still available B&R 351

Posted on by

JAMES RAY – THE LOST SOUL MAN: Mike Fenton recalls the short career of the New York based R&B singer – the definitive article on James.

THE JSP STORY PART TWO: Mike Stephenson interviews JSP boss John Stedman about his label and promotions in part two of a major  feature including Larry Garner, Johnny Rawls, Charlie Sayles, Otis Grand, Larry McCray, John R.T. Davies, Box Sets, DVDs, Rembetika and Old Time Music.

ZYDECO & CAJUN ESSENTIALS: Ray Templeton looks at traditional cajun music after the 1960s Newport Festivals  including Dewey and Will Balfa, Marc and Ann Savoy, Michael Doucet and BeauSoleil

LITTLE RICHARD: Full tribute article to the late Little Richard by Specialty Records author Billy Vera

PLUS: Words, Words, Words; The Blues Discography (3rd edition) Updates and Corrections; Mike Stephenson’s Under The Radar; Walter Scott, Young Jesse, Big Al Carson  Eddie Cooley, Bobby Lewis, Eli Murray, Mille Small, Earl Green, Jeanette Baker, Betty Wright, Lucky Peterson, Don Bryant, Rene Hall, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, News, Letters etc.