There’s only one place to be on New Year’s Eve, and that’s in front of the box with a tipple of choice while watching Jools Holland. This year’s guests include a man whose musical career has been nothing if not diverse.

Jools Holland presents his 21st annual Hootenanny, featuring a mixture of veteran artists and modern chart stars. 
The line-up features former Kinks frontman Ray Davies, singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield (singing her forthcoming single Carry On & All Around The World), Edinburgh duo the Proclaimers, Spice Girl Melanie C, Jamaican vocalist Dawn Penn, who teams up with Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson, east London outfit Rudimental and Colorado band the Lumineers. Others to watch out for include rising soul star Laura Mvula, Haim, Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band, North Yorkshire lad John Newman and a woman who's become a fixture on the annual show - veteran Ruby Turner. As usual, Jools' own Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be backing many of the solo stars, and as the clocks strike 12, the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards help ring in the new year in their own rousing fashion. As well as the musical entertainment, Jools chats to the celebrity audience members, asking them to share their thoughts on the past year and give their predictions for 2014.

"Carry ON

"All Around The World"

Lisa Stansfield is back in the new year with a brand new album, Seven, and is currently touring Europe. We sat down with Lisa in the lovely setting of Hampstead's Everyman Cinema and had a chat about strange fan encounters and burping on stage…

So So Gay: Tell us about your new album, Seven:
Lisa Stansfield: Do you like it?
Yes, we loved it!
It was the longest album to make and the quickest album to make. We waited until the time was right. It took us over a month to record and about ten years to write. It hasn't taken us ten years to write ten songs, it  has taken us ten years to write a lot of songs.

You worked with John Robinson and Jerry Hay, what was that like?
Well we've worked with them for years. Jerry did the very first album that we did. He was incredible, he’s very intuitive. John Robinson is incredible, he’s like a human drum machine, you can tell him a tempo and he plays it . He’s incredibly skilled.
And how has the industry changed since you started out?
It's changed for the better. The internet makes your life harder in the sense that you're looked at more - and constantly. That's part of the job anyway. Communication wise, it's incredible.
What's it like to be touring?
It's lovely. I was saying I seem to have a lot more confidence. I'm not saying I wasn't, but just, like, in talking to the audience I used to be really shy. Now I just don't give a shit. If you're honest with them, and I've always been honest in interviews, but on stage... I just think, if i see something, or something springs to mind, I talk about it. The other week, we were in Glasgow and we had eaten chips and sausages before the show. It was embarrassing. We were all burping throughout the show and it taught me not to eat before the show!
What was it like being in the Vagina Monologues?
Anything you do that's new to you is petrifying. It taught me a lot about acting, but theatre teaches you a lot. It's like a baptism by fire.
You’ve also done some film work, how does acting compare?
It's not that different. You always have to pull something out of yourself. I don't believe in just going through the motions. I feel like I'm cheating if I'm not feeling it. Like, when I sing, I feel what I sing.
What would be your dream role?
Hmm, I've thought about that...I've done a few close to it. I'd like to be a real massive bitch. My take on that is, if you're really famous for being a complete bitch then if you're walking down the street people never bother you, because they think, 'oh shit, don't mess with her!'. If they know you're a nice person, they’ll come up and say hello. People talk to me because they think I'm approachable, which I guess I am really.
Who would you like to play a bitch opposite then?
I suppose bitches have to be bitchy to a woman... someone younger than me? Someone more attractive? I don’t know, I'm not really jealous of younger woman. I suppose you'd like to be a bitch opposite someone squeaky clean. Anyone who's whiter than white, squeaky clean. [Lisa jokes with her team] Gwyneth Paltrow, she’s slappable. Is that a word?
What are your career highlights?
When I did the Freddie Mercury Tribute with Queen, there were more than 100,000 people there. I don't know how many artists were there…every artist was so gracious.
Lisa Stansfield If you could choose between  acting , theatre and singing, which would you choose?
I'd choose singing - it's the first passion I ever had. As long as I can write songs, I'll always sing.
Any regrets?
None at all. Whatever you do, you have to go back and in hindsight look back and appreciate what they taught you. You'd never learn anything if you'd never done anything wrong; everything is a lesson.
What do you think of Miley Cyrus?
Being naked on a wrecking ball? There's nothing wrong with it. She's breaking out of a mould that she's been in for a long time and you have to just go the opposite way. I think she'll come out on the other side. The video is beautiful. Lady Gaga gets her kit off, we've all done it before. I've done it before. Everyone will still be doing it.
What do you think of Twitter?
I know someone who Tweets and Facebooks everything: breakfast, lunch, dinner. You realise how self-obsessed people really are. It's also a good way to communicate with fans, you get feedback. You're not second guessing, you know what people are thinking.
What’s the strangest fan encounter you’ve had.
This was in America , the second tour. There was this guy, he looked a lot like Mark  Chapman. He came to every single show. Even when we went by plane, he'd be at the hotel before we were. We did ten shows and he was at every single show.
My security guy, Mike, had a word with him and said, ‘Please stop, it's getting really weird’ and this guy said, 'I know it's meant to be and I know we're meant to be. And I know [Ian (Lisa’s husband)] doesn't really love her.' Mike told him to knock it on the head. We never saw him again.
You are admired by fans and you have a massive gay following, are you surprised?
Not really. I think what I do is honest, it's upfront. The emotional content of what I do is a big part of that. I've looked at lyrics I've written and they could tend to any sexuality. It doesn't make a difference and it's the same emotional quality in songs.
Who was your stylist, way back when?
In the early days, I had it cropped. One of my best friends used to cut my hair. When I went back she'd cut it and leave the curl on.
Did you ever find your baby?
He was always there, I was always lying. He was always there!


Seven will be released on 10 February 2014 and is available to pre-order from Amazon and iTunes now.

Interview by kind courtesy of SoSoGay and Jazz for using some of my questions too!
http://sosogay.co.uk/2013/id-like-to-be-a-massive-bitch-lisa-stansfield-chats-with-so-so-gay/

Lisa Stansfield stars at Key 103 Cash For Kids Christmas Charity bash
19 Dec 2013 10:36
The Rochdale singer and a host of special guests attended the fundraising lunch at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford

Photos Courtesy of Jon Baxter

Rochdale singing star Lisa Stansfield was getting guests into the festive spirit as she headlined Key 103's annual Christmas charity bash.

Lisa got guests up and dancing as she belted out her global mega-hit All Around The World at the Key 103 Cash For Kids Mission Christmas lunch, the radio station's annual fundraiser for local children living in poverty.

The lunch, at The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club, was hosted by Key's roster of DJs including breakfast hosts Mike Toolan and Chelsea Norris. 

Lisa, 47, got guests dancing with her past classics as well as her new uptempo song Can't Dance filling the dance floor.
And the singing star has told of how her decision to record her long-awaited new album back home in Rochdale was entirely altruistic too.

Lisa, who enjoyed global music success when she burst onto the scene in the late 80s, said: "Rochdale has not had a very good reputation for a while, with some of the stories coming out about grooming and paedophiles, but it's such a small minority, a handful of people. "The area has been in decline with shops closing and the economy and so i just thought if I could bring investment to Rochdale and support the area that's a good thing, it's something close to my heart."

by Marco Gandolfi

Twenty five years after topping the charts, globally, with the single All Around The World, and ten years after the release of her last album, Britain’s iconic soul singer Lisa Stansfield releases her seventh studio album Seven.

The Grammy nominated, multi BRIT, Ivor Novello and Silver Clef Award winner, who can boast sales of nearly 20 million records and a string of international top 10 hits, returned to the studio to record with long-time songwriting partner (and husband) Ian Devaney, whose credits include The Bodyguard and Indecent Proposal soundtracks. 

Seven marks Lisa’s return to the international stage and confirms her status as one of the UK’s premier recording artists. Can’t Dance, the first track on the album, was playlisted on Radio 2 this autumn and sets the tone for the record and its theme of love and relationships. 

Adding a further string to her bow, and with Lisa’s ongoing contribution to British Soul being undeniable, she will also be starring in an independent film about the genre due out in 2014 with Steve Coogan and Ricky Tomlinson.

Seven tracklisting:
Can’t Dance (Stansfield / Devaney)
Why (Stansfield / Devaney)
So Be It (Stansfield / Devaney)
Stupid Heart (Stansfield)
The Crown (Stansfield / Devaney)
Picket Fence (Stansfield / Devaney)
The Rain (Stansfield / Devaney)
Conversation (Stansfield)
Carry On (Stansfield / Devaney)
Love Can (Stansfield / Devaney)
Pre order the album here. 

Music-News.com caught up with the songstress at The Everyman Cinema in Hampstead to find out more. 
Check out the full uncut interview below.

Interview by By Pip Ellwood.- recorded on 16th December 2013

Lisa Stansfield is set to return to music next month with the release of her new album Seven.
Her first release in nearly a decade, Seven will arrive on 10th February and features new single Can’t Dance. Produced by Stansfield and long-time partner and collaborator Ian Devaney, Seven is a gorgeous collection of soulful pop songs that reintroduce Stansfield’s distinctive voice.

We sat down with Lisa recently to find out more about Seven, talk about her incredible career and discuss her dancing skills. Watch the whole video interview below.

Seven is released in the UK on 10th February 2014 and available for pre-order now on Amazon and iTunes. The interview was filmed at The Everyman Cinema in Hampstead.

- See more at: http://www.entertainment-focus.com/featured-slider/lisa-stansfield-interview/#sthash.kbXo0iLj.dpuf

Joining Jools, for his 21st Annual Hootenanny, will be a host of musical stars from all walks of life, from the success stories of the last 12 months through to the hit makers from across the decades.

Classic British songwriter and leader of The Kinks, Ray Davies performs three of their classic sing-a-long numbers with Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra; one of the big success stories of 2013, East London outfit Rudimental will have you dancing your way into the New Year with three of their big songs from their best-selling debut LP ‘Home’ including ‘Feel The Love’ and ‘Waiting All Night’ - they will be joined by some of their guest vocalists including Ella Eyre and Emeli Sandé.

Also joining Jools and the Orchestra will be legendary singer with The Gap Band and recent Kanye West collaborator Charlie Wilson. He will be performing a couple of Gap Band classics including dance floor favourite ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ and ‘Outstanding’ plus his recent smash ‘There Goes My Baby’.

New soul star of the year, Birmingham’s Laura Mvula will be performing her hit single ‘Green Garden’ along with a Nina Simone classic.

From Lancashire, the soul voice that took the world by storm in the late 80s, Lisa Stansfield, will join Jools on a couple of numbers including her much loved song ‘All Around The World’.

From California, they were crowned ‘The Sound of 2013', sisters Este, Danielle and Alana, aka HAIM, with songs from their best-selling debut album ‘Days Are Gone’, plus their take on a Fleetwood Mac number.

Identical twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid, aka The Proclaimers, will get the room and the nation singing along to their warm hearted anthems which were recently celebrated in UK film ‘Sunshine On Leith’.

Another new star that emerged in 2013, from Settle, Yorkshire, John Newman, will join Jools and the R&B Orchestra on his summer No 1 ‘Love Me Again’, along with a Ray Charles number; and also on the bill is Jamaican singer Dawn Penn who will perform her classic reggae tune ‘You Don't Love Me (No, No, No)’ as well as joining Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson on his Ska Orchestra’s latest tune ‘Bangarang 2’.

A success story all over the world, The Lumineers, who are based in Denver, Colorado, will be in the studio to perform tracks from their best-selling self-titled debut LP including one of the songs of the year in ‘Ho Hey’.

Concluding the line-up are former Spice Girl, Melanie C, who will join Jools & Orchestra on a couple of numbers including a Stevie Wonder classic along with soul singer extraordinaire Ruby Turner.

Add in reflections on the departing year and predictions for 2014 from an always interesting mix of talent from all over the UK, plus the Pipes & Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards taking us into the New Year the traditional way and you have the kind of New Year's Eve party that you could only get courtesy of Mr Jools Holland.

The show was recorded at Maidstone Television Studios in Kent on 11th December and will be shown on 31st December, BBC TWO from 11:30pm-1:30am (GMT)

Producers: Alison Howe, Mark Cooper / Director: Janet Fraser Crook.

Lisa Stansfield helps Radio Clyde celebrate 40th anniversary at Old Fruitmarket

RADIO Clyde, in partnership with Glasgow Life, has held yet another exclusive music event to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The station welcomed 80’s icon, Lisa Stansfield, to perform in front of a select audience of competition winners and guests of the station at the iconic Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow’s merchant city.

Lisa, along with her stripped back three-piece band, played songs from her upcoming album ‘Seven’ as well as a couple of mega hits that have helped her sell 20 million albums worldwide.

Speaking to Clyde 2’s Gary Marshall, Lisa admitted that it has been a long awaited return to music after taking time to pursue acting roles. Lisa said: “It feels great to be back performing to my fans and I’m so happy to be celebrating Clyde’s 40th birthday in such a beautiful venue. I have always had great support from Glasgow.”

The crowd was easily coaxed to its feet to dance to the last remaining numbers after a brief Q&A session half way through the set.  The Q&A session gave fans the chance to ask some questions which allowed Stansfield to showcase her humour and wit as well as share some stories from her long career. The Q&A was an added dimension to an already unusual and magical evening of entertainment.

The stunning Old Fruitmarket, in Glasgow’s merchant city area, provided the stunning backdrop for the performance, and at times threatened to steal the limelight from the fantastic talent on stage. Working in partnership with Glasgow Life has meant that Radio Clyde will be bringing other massive acts to more of Glasgow and the West’s most beautiful and iconic venues in 2014.

Councillor Archie Graham, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Radio Clyde to help the station celebrate its 40th anniversary.I had no doubt the Lisa Stansfield gig at The Old Fruitmarket would also be a fantastic show as the venue has traditionally been one of the city’s best-loved performance spaces.”

Lisa's single Can't Dance (available on download on UK iTunes since 16th October) has now been given a dance flavour so you "can dance" to it by DJ Moto Blanco. Click the play button and ram up the volume, this is FAB!