Jeff Lorez
Jeff Vasishta started writing for the influential UK based Blues & Soul Magazine in August 1987 while still in University in London. Never intending a full time career in journalism he wrote under the pseudonym of Jeff "Lorez". A year later he was made the Deputy Editor, constantly traveling between London, New York and LA, amassing hundreds of interviews.
In 1993 he moved to New York full time, also going on to write for Billboard, Yahoo.com, Vibe, Arena and many others.
These days he is married with two children and writes under his real name, Jeff Vasishta ("so my kids didn’t think I was making it all up!" he says). He is currently a columnist for the widely read daily newspaper AM New York.
Among those he has interviewed are Prince, Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre, Beyonce, Herbie Hancock, R. Kelly and Usher.
91 articles
List of articles in the library
Meli'sa Morgan, Najee, Lesette Wilson: Hammersmith Odeon, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1988
BEING A support act with much of your material unknown in the country which you are touring for the first time is hardly the most ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Record Mirror, 30 July 1988
"I'm talking about the facts of life," explained the ebullient Shirley Murdock when discussing her stunning new A Woman's Point Of View album. ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1988
When the likes of Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, the Jacksons and Kool and the Gang amongst numerous others come knocking on your door, who do ...
Morris Day, The Time: Off The Record With Morris Day
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1988
The Clown Prince of Cool onstage, B&S catches Morris Day in both reflective and prophetic moods... ...
Hot House: South (RCA PL 718855)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1988
THIS IS AN album that really portrays Hot House's talent for songwriting. Their country/soul style is performed with an endearing and emotive sympathy for quality ...
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 August 1989
AS IF you didn't know, KRS One takes himself very seriously, and that's no bad thing. However, if he really is the peace maker that ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 September 1989
ADEVA IS a challenge. Everything about her and her career challenges safe stereotypes normally associated with career-building black female artists, ministers' daughters and male-female relationships. ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 3 October 1989
Talented and resourceful Kym Mazelle discusses artists restraints and restraining the artist! ...
Biz Markie: The Biz Never Sleeps (Cold Chillin' 1-26003)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 31 October 1989
RAP CLOWN Biz takes us on a lackadaisical cartoon journey through an array of fairly standard outings, both utilising Biz's comical vocal affectations as well ...
Queen Latifah: All Hail The Queen (Gee St/Tommy Boy Gee 45)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 26 December 1989
ANOTHER PUPIL of the Jungles/De La Soul/ Afrocentrism, psychedelic, daisy age school emerges (try saying that after... well just try saying that, anyway!) ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1990
If your state of mind is really at Woodstock and your spirit is on the dancefloor, than wacky dance-a-delic trio Deee-Lite may be just what ...
Boogie Down Productions: Edutainment (Jive Hip 100)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1990
KRS-ONE, AS we all know, doesn't make music to dance to... although it's danceable. He doesn't make music that's going to attain daytime radio play... ...
Gang Starr: Step In The Arena (Cooltempo CTLP 21)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 January 1991
G.U.R.U. KEITHY E and DJ Premiere have jam packed an album full of 18 mini story-like raps, which helps to promote a continued diversity despite ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1991
On the brink of international acclaim, Baltimore vocalist Ultra Naté recalls early days of distinctly negative vibes ...
Mantronix: Mantronik the Dance King: No Messin'
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 March 1991
THERE'S LITTLE disputing the massive force Curtis Mantronik and the whole Mantronix aggregation have had on dance music in the '80's. Through early releases such ...
John "Jellybean" Benitez: Jellybean Benitez: 'Bean Meanz Bizness
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991
IF YOU were of the opinion that Jellybean Benitez, one of the mainstays of the East Coast club scene for the last decade, lives and ...
C+C Music Factory: Spotlight on Clivilles & Cole: The C&C Beat Generation
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991
B&S takes a walk on the wild side to meet up with David Cole, who, with Robert Clivilles, is currently hotter than hot. Trek on... ...
Stereo MCs: The Stereo MC's: "Lost" Cause
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991
Refusing to bow to style trends or pigeon-holing, the stereo MC's insist on being judged on their music only ...
Tony! Toni! Tone!: The Tonies Plan to Utilise UK Rough Stuff
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991
US hitmakers Tony! Toni! Tone! look to the "tougher" sound of London for continued success ...
Brand Nubian: All For One (Elektra)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991
THIS HAS been a hot import item for quite a while now and, when you hear it, you'll understand why. Whilst in many circles rap ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991
"Yo Jeff, man, I'm sorry, what can I say? I wanted this interview to happen as much as you did, but Hank's just too busy ...
John "Jellybean" Benitez: Jellybean: Spillin' The Beans (Atlantic 7567-82180-2)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991
JELLYBEAN'S NEVER made any secret of the fact that it's the commercial end of the dance music spectrum he's interested in. His work with Madonna ...
Massive Attack: Massive: Young Guns IV
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991
Massive have always been known for their individual stance in music making. Now the hard work appears to be paying off for the Bristol based quartet ...
Ice Cube, Laquan, Yo Yo: Ice Cube, Yo Yo, Laquan: Brixton Academy, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991
I'VE ALWAYS thought that the Brixton Academy, out of the larger venues, beats the likes of The Hammersmith Odeon and Dominion hands down when it ...
Loose Ends: Two Lips from Amsterdam
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991
The particular lips enunciating down the telephone line belonged to Carl McIntosh, leader of poll winners Loose Ends and a young man in demand. Carl ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991
B&S talks to Chimes members James Locke and Pauline Henry about their Poll success and their plans to maintain the impetus ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991
LAST ISSUE De La Soul made the comment: "the less talented you are as a singer, the better you seem to do in the commercial ...
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991
'New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)' — Ice-T; 'I'm Dreamin'' — Christopher Williams; 'I'm Still Waiting' — Johnny Gill; '(There You Go) Tellin' Me No Again' ...
De La Soul: De La Soul Is Dead (Big Life BLR LP8)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991
'Intro'; 'Oldies Of O's'; 'Talkin' Bout Hey Love'; 'Pease Porridge'; 'Skit 1'; 'Johnny's Dead AKA Vincent Mason (Live From The BK Lounge)'; 'A Roller Skating ...
Herb Alpert: North On South St. (A&M 395 345-2)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991
'Jump Street'; 'It's The Last Dance'; 'Passion Lady'; 'North On South St.'; 'Paradise 25'; 'Na Na Na'; 'Funky Reggae'; 'Where's Tommy'; 'City Terrace'; 'I Can't ...
Womack and Womack: Womack & Womack: Family Spirit (Arista 261356)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991
'Family Spirit'; 'Uptown'; 'Refusal'; 'Living In A Different World'; 'United (In Paradise)'; 'My Dear (The Letter)'; 'Blue Jean Baby'; 'Danceworld'; 'Keep On Climbing'; 'Lonely Island'. ...
EPMD, Roger Troutman: Roger Troutman: Building Bridges
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 24 December 1991
Roger Troutman gets to grips with the young hip hop hopefuls who have long acknowledged the master's touch ...
Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers, Robert Owens: Larry Heard: Heard Instinct
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 February 1992
A MAINSTAY ON THE CHICAGO HOUSE SCENE SINCE ITS BOOM IN THE MID EIGHTIES, LARRY HEARD HAS ALWAYS STUCK TRUE TO HIS MUSICAL CONSCIENCE. HIS ...
Joey Negro: Disco Lives: Joey Negro
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992
"So who is this disco fiend, Joey Negro, who has lent his remixing powers to the likes of Kenyatta and the Brand New Heavies? Is ...
En Vogue: Funky Divas (East West America)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992
'This Is Your Life'; 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)'; 'Hip-Hop Lover'; 'Free Your Mind'; 'Desire'; 'Giving Him Something He Can Feel'; 'It Ain't ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992
Jeff Lorez travels to Oakland, California to talk to writer/producers Foster & McElory about the apparent True Brit in their new "Funky Divas" album for En Vogue — and to the ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992
As the disco boom strikes UK club-land again, B&S touches base with New York DJ, remixer/producer, Frankie Knuckles, to trace disco's roots and chart it's ...
Chaka Khan: The Woman I Am (Warner Bros 7599-26296-2)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 April 1992
IF I HAD any say in what Chaka Khan recorded I'd go in the studio with her and a bunch of top musicians and play ...
Meli'sa Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992
Psychiatrist, Dr. Jeff Lorez has moved his practice to New York. Enter his first patient... Meli'sa Morgan ...
Pete Rock & CL Smooth: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth: Rock Steady & Smooth Talking
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992
Who helped revive PE's international status? Who brought weight back to Heavy D? Who have one of the hottest rap albums around? Pete Rock & ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992
Jazzie B feels Soul II Soul should be recognised for more than just their beats. The collective's new album Just Right Volume II aims to ...
Arrested Development: 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of... (Cooltempo/Chrysalis)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 May 1992
'Man's Final Frontier'; 'Mama's Always On Stage'; 'People Everyday'; 'Blues Happy'; 'Mr. Wendal'; 'Children Play With Earth'; 'Raining Revolution'; 'Fishin' 4 Religion'; 'Give A Man ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992
When Phyllis Hyman opens her heart, it opens all the way, with no holds barred. In a totally frank and, candid interview, the B&S best female vocalist ...
Stevie Wonder: Wembley Arena, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992
WITH NO newly released album to promote, Stevie and band, backed by The Royal Philharmonic string section could afford to wallow in musical nostalgia and ...
Al Jarreau: Moving Heaven and Earth
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992
A four year gap in between albums has caused Al Jarreau to carefully re-evaluate his career. The conclusions made and actions undertaken as shown on ...
Deee-Lite: The Message "Within"
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992
There's a means in Deee-Lite's madness. Their new album, Infinity Within aims to touch hearts and minds whilst keeping their feet firmly on the dancefloor ...
Prince & the New Power Generation: Earls Court, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992
GOOD OLD Prince, where would we be without him? In an industry that often seems filled with blandness and conformity there's the lil' fella in ...
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992
IF AIN'T BROKE don't fix it. Working with Teddy Riley and L.A. & 'Face worked pretty well for Bobby Brown first time round and my ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992
Ten City's new album, No House Big Enough sees them in stripped down, raw and uncompromising form, intent on causing dancefloor mayhem. ...
Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown, TLC: L.A. & Babyface: Reid All About It
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 9 September 1992
As if to ridicule the cynics who suggested that they'd passed their sell-by date, L.A. & Babyface are back with a bang and leading a two man assault on the music biz. L.A. Reid talks ...
Da Lench Mob, Ice Cube: Da Lench Mob: Straight Out Tha Jungle
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992
Da Lench Mob explain how the LA riots inadvertently gave birth to the title of their Guerillas In Tha Mist debut album. "We wanted to come out with a ...
Ice Cube: The Predator (Island BRLP 592)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992
'The First Day Of School'; 'When Will They Shoot'; 'I'm Scared'; 'Wicked'; 'Now I Gotta Wet 'Cha'; 'Predator'; 'It Was A Good Day'; 'We Had ...
Regina Belle: The Blue Note, Greenwich Village, New York NY
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992
THE FAMED Blue Note club situated in Greenwich Village has been able to boast an impressive line-up of visiting female divas in recent weeks. With ...
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992
A SOUNDS OF Blackness album really is something of a musical adventure. This, as with the first is an exploration into the history and development ...
Blackstreet, Teddy Riley, Wreckx-N-Effect: Wiley Riley
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992
Jeff Lorez caught up with Teddy Riley when he was "on a kind of break", having just completed the Wreckx-N-Effect album and preparing forthcoming work ...
Charles & Eddie: Soul Providers
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1992
With the runaway success of their 'Would I Lie To You', Charles & Eddie suggest that maybe the public are ready for real songs and ...
Arrested Development: Astoria, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992
THERE ARE THOSE amongst the hardcore rap community who think Arrested Development's down home, rural southern porch-sitting image is a stereotyped one that will prove ...
David Sanborn, Rachelle Ferrell: Town & Country Club, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992
I HAVE TO admit, I don't think that the largely all standing T&C was the ideal venue for either of these acts. ...
Flyte Tyme 10th Year Anniversary, 1982-1992: The Jam & Lewis Story
Report by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992
I COULDN'T believe that I'd actually asked for a hotel wake-up call for 3:45am! By 4:30am I was struggling to keep my eyes open in ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992
To mark the tenth anniversary of Jam & Lewis's ultra-successful Flyte Tyme Productions, Jeff Lorez flew to Minneapolis and spoke to Jimmy Jam for more than eight hours over two ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 January 1993
Jeff Lorez continues his in-depth report on the tenth anniversary of Jam & Lewis's Flyte Tyme Productions. ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 February 1993
Jeff Lorez concludes his in-depth report on the tenth anniversary of Jam & Lewis's Flyte Tyme Productions ...
Tupac Shakur: 2 Pac: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z (Interscope)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1993
'Holler If Ya Hear Me'; 'Pac's Theme (Interlude)'; 'Point The Finga'; 'Something 2 Die 4 (Interlude)'; 'Last Wordz'; 'Souljah's Revenge'; 'Peep Game'; 'Strugglin''; 'Guess Who's ...
Da Lench Mob, Ice Cube, Kam: Ice Cube, Kam, Da Lench Mob: Brixton Academy, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1993
I'VE GOT TO tip my hat to the Brixton Academy for consistency. ...
Frankie Knuckles: Bare Knuckles
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1993
He wasn't exactly the most prolific remixer last year, but B&S readers still voted him the best in the business. He bares his soul to Jeff Lorez ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1993
In this face to face interview conducted at his home in Beverly Hills, Ice-T talks to Jeff Lorez about the man behind the notorious myth... ...
Cathy Dennis, Janet Jackson, Madonna: Shep Pettibone: Spontaneous Combustion
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1993
No amount of studio technology can ever compete with the priceless element of spontaneity to set things on fire, says Shep... ...
Aretha Franklin: Radio City Music Hall, New York NY
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1993
IT WAS A packed Radio City Music Hall that turned out to witness the Queen Of Soul on this, the first of a two night ...
Joe Sample: Classic Invitation
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1993
Joe's new Invitation album of standards provides him with the musical therapy he felt he badly needed and gave him the chance to "move on"... ...
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993
To quote the title of her new album, "Ain't No Other" quite like MC Lyte. And the lady has her head well screwed on, getting ...
SWV: It's About Time (RCA/BMG 07863 66074)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993
IT'S ABOUT Time is a pretty applicable title for this group's release in the UK which has been long overdue. Into their umpteenth hit single ...
Ronny Jordan: The Revolution Starts Here!
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 September 1993
Ronny Jordan feels he was 'born to play' and, having notched up a quarter million sales with his debut album and walked off with the ...
Keith Washington: Make Time For Love (Qwest/Warner Bros 4-45336)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993
THE FACT that, for me, the Maze chestnut, 'Before I Let Go', which is played by a live band, is the best cut on this ...
Kool Moe Dee: Greatest Hits (Jive 01241-41493-4)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993
KOOL MOE Dee's Terminator-1 type shades and shiny tracksuits do seem somewhat outdated by today's hip-hop standards and, to many, Moe Dee himself may be ...
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993
THE MAN KNOWS no bounds. Having already performed a half hour show for the BBC that morning, Prince was intent on ending his European tour ...
Tony Toni Toné: The Forum, Kentish Town, London
Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993
I'M A FAN of the Tonies... what they stand for, the music they make, the whole tongue in cheek element; their acknowledgement of Northern California's ...
Ultra Naté: Insane in the Brain
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993
The music industry can send a woman over the edge. Ultra Naté may see her new album, One Woman's Insanity, as a 'do or die' ...
Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Luther Vandross: Marcus Miller: Back to the Future
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1993
CATCHING UP with Marcus Miller is no easy task. Forget about trying his home in New Jersey because he's hardly ever there. Chances are you'll ...
Teddy Pendergrass: Preparing To Close The Door And Turn Off The Lights After 25 Glorious Years?
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1993
Teddy celebrates the 25th anniversary of his highly successful career with his new A Little More Magic album, but he hints to JEFF LOREZ that ...
Dr. Dre, Warren G: Warren G: Nuthin' but a G thang
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 June 1994
Dre's l'il bro is carving his own particularly effective niche right now. Jeff Lorez gets some long distance information with Warren G. ...
Mariah Carey: Daydream Believer
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 24 October 1995
The outrageously successful singer talks to B&S about her new Daydream album; working alongside some of the industry's most prestigious names and her ever increasing ...
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony: Family Values
Profile and Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 November 1995
From out of Cleveland's mean streets to US stardom and chart status, B T-N-H maintain a closely-knit family circle. JEFF LOREZ pays a visit. ...
Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise (Tommy Boy 1141)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 November 1995
THE PHENOMENAL success of the single 'Gangsta's Paradise', taken from the Dangerous Minds soundtrack has hastened this, the album of the same name. It's Coolio's all important ...
The Pharcyde: Labcabcalifornia (Delicious Vinyl/Capitol)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 November 1995
THE PHARCYDE sneaked into our consciousness a few years back with the ridiculously infectious 'She Keeps On Passin' Me By' and they rode in strong ...
Aaliyah talks about her One In a Million album & more
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1996
Just 17 but already something of a music biz veteran with a million selling debut album and dues-paying road activities behind her, the sweetly seductive ...
OutKast: ATLiens (LaFace 73008- 26029-2)
Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 17 September 1996
THIS IS certainly something of a change from their debut platinum selling set, but it makes for interesting listening never the less. OutKast's producers, Organized ...
Mariah Carey: Butterfly Kisses... Or In Bed With Mariah!
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 23 September 1997
Jeff Lorez flies to LA, does a spot of celeb-spotting and then spends a couple of hours interviewing Mariah Carey in bed on the subject ...
Mariah Carey: Beyond The Rainbow
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 November 1999
Sony's undisputed queen is about to release her brand new album, Rainbow, which highlights some very personal aspects of her roller coaster ride to superstardom. ...
Aaliyah: The M Factor (Movies, Music, Motivation)
Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2000
Major record and movie success could just be the ingredients for an ego problem. However, the Native New Yorker singer/actress remains firmly rooted in reality. ...
Luther Vandross: The Sadness Behind the Soul
Obituary by Jeff Lorez, Daily Telegraph, 7 July 2005
Although the mainstream world moved on from his polished, romantic approach, an army of fans stayed loyal to the sweet, melancholy songs of the late, ...
D'Angelo: The Gift & The Curse
Retrospective by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, May 2008
HE WAS a quiet, softly spoken, artsy type that clearly preferred to let his music do the talking. It seems like a lifetime ago. In ...
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