(March 24, 2026) Three decades after it first shook up the UK’s soul landscape, Beverley Knight’s landmark debut The B-Funk is returning in a newly remastered 2CD deluxe edition coming on May 15 — offering longtime fans and new listeners a deeper look into one of British soul’s most important opening statements.
Originally released in 1995, The B-Funk arrived at a pivotal time for homegrown R&B in the UK. Knight—then just 19 and signed to Dome Records—was already balancing university life with studio sessions, channeling her gospel roots into a fresh, streetwise sound.
The buzz began even earlier. A white-label pressing of “Flavour Of The Old School” in late 1994 quickly spread through underground circles, evolving into a full-fledged anthem of the British swing movement. By the time the album dropped, Knight was already being heralded as a generational talent, with Echoes magazine calling the project “the best British soul album ever.”
This expanded 30th anniversary package goes far beyond a simple remaster. Alongside the original album—newly polished for modern listening—the set includes 18 bonus tracks, spotlighting rare 12-inch mixes and three previously unreleased versions that dig deeper into the era’s club and street soul energy.
The accompanying 28-page booklet adds even more context, featuring fresh interviews with Knight as well as key collaborators like Neville Thomas and Victor Redwood-Sawyerr. Fans can also explore track-by-track commentary, a detailed discography, and previously unseen archival photos that capture the spirit of mid-’90s UK R&B.
