Sault review – utterly astonishing debut show by UK soul enigmas
Joined by string sections, choristers and teams of dancers, the eclectic collective – including Cleo Sol, Little Simz and Michael Kiwanuka – lead an electrifying immersive event
‘Joni Mitchell said she felt as awkward as me’: Brittany Howard on poverty, chaos and fame
The Alabama Shakes frontwoman became the toast of music’s A-list – so why did she feel so miserable? She reveals the grief and heartbreak she overcame to make her stellar new album
Jean Knight obituary
Soul singer who had a multimillion-selling hit in 1971 with the irresistibly funky Mr Big Stuff
November 2023
‘A reminder that life has to be lived’: the lyrics that got us through 2023
A new Youth Music survey said that 93% of young people use lyrics as a therapeutic tool for mental health. Our writers share the lines they kept close this year
Jean Knight, soul and funk singer who had hit with Mr Big Stuff, dies aged 80
New Orleans singer reached No 2 in the US with 1971 hit, and was nominated for a Grammy
Isaiah Collier: Parallel Universe review – an inspired homage to the giants of jazz and soul
Recorded in single-take live performances, the Chicago multi-instrumentalist deftly throws funk, gospel, soul and his own fine voice into the mix
October 2023
Immersive survey of Black British music to open V&A East museum in 2025
Black Pumas: Chronicles of a Diamond review – swaggers from the speakers
Alexis Petridis's album of the week
Sampha: Lahai review – how to make an existential crisis sound sublime
Rudolph Isley obituary
Gabrielle review – hip shakers, soulful sunshine and Dreams
Jamila Woods: Water Made Us review – tracing a relationship’s painful arc
Rudolph Isley, founding member of the Isley Brothers, dies at 84
Ranked
The 20 greatest concert films – ranked!
Book of the day
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly Stone review – euphoric expression and drug-crazed chaos
The Q&A
PP Arnold: ‘Rod Stewart and I had a close call with the law in the 60s. A nosy landlord let the police into my flat’
‘I never lived a life I didn’t want to live’: Sly Stone on addiction, ageing and changing music for ever
The G2 interview
Lisa Simone on loving and fearing her mother Nina: ‘On my 16th, she cursed the day I was born’
September 2023
One to watch
One to Watch: Sola
Cleo Sol: Heaven review – soulful succour from the Sault singer