RSD Celebrates Black History Month 2023

Dee Dee Bridgewater - Afro Blue

Released on Japanese label Trio Records in 1974, 'Afro Blue' is very much a family affair featuring Bridgewater's husband Cecil and brother-in-law Ron in the excellent band, that also includes George Mraz and Motohiko Hino. They back Dee Dee's rich, soulful voice incredibly as she scats and croons her way through a compelling set list that contains an exuberant vocal version of Bobby Hutcherson's "Little B's Poem", the sumptuous soul-jazz of "Love Vibrations" and a beautifully realised cover of The Stylistics' "People Make The World Go Round."

Sade - Diamond Life

Sade is one of my favourite UK Black female artists. Her 'Diamond Life' album from 1984 was one the best Soul albums of the decade and one of the most distinctive and influential debut albums of our music.  Her blend of Jazzy Soul featuring real instruments was unique at a time when most artists were relying on Electronic backing. 

Sade has been honoured with an OBE and CBE making her one of the most decorated UK female singers.

Donna Summer- Donna Summer

Donna Summer gave me a love of dance music that will be with me for life. 'State of Independence' fills my soul with pure joy!

X-Ray Spex – Germ Free Adolescents 

To me Poly-Styrene was one of the true real mavericks of punk. Truly unique, witty, rebellious and cutting as any other punk but with her own unique style and an originality that most lacked. – Louis 

X-Ray Spex front woman Poly Styrene brought her own style to a scene dominated by white men and inspired a host of female artists along the way. Riot Grrrl anyone? – Jacky 

Betty Davis – Betty Davis 

Betty Davis was a true, game-changing, phenomenon. Her snarling, punk-laced funk was too visceral for an uptight industry (which is putting it lightly) and she died in relative obscurity. Hopefully there's a parallel universe where she received all of the accolades that she thoroughly deserved.

Roberta Flack – First Take 

 What an incredible debut album. Roberta's voice is so beautiful. So many great tracks on here, but my favourites are the funky 'Compared to what' and Flack at her finest on 'Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.'

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 

'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ is one of the best Hip-Hop albums of all time and by virtue one of the best albums of all time! It’s an album I regularly go back to and never get sick of! 

Aretha Franklin – The Atlantic Singles Collection 1967-1970

Assembling 34 incredible singles from one of the greatest singers of all time, The Atlantic Singles Collection truly displays the virtuosity of Aretha and her incredibly prolific output during the early years of her career with Atlantic.

Little Simz – Grey Area 

I’m constantly bowled over by Simbi Ajikawa - in both her musical & acting careers. Whether in the studio, on stage or on screen, she is the most captivating (& seemingly limitless) talent. ‘Grey Area’ is possibly (although. not definitely) my favourite album (to date). It’s a meticulously crafted suite that plays through like a greatest hits collection. Smart, dynamic & untouchably brilliant.