Mary J. Blige London Sessions

MUCH O’ BLIGE: Q4 is on, baby. Capitol will release Mary J. Blige’s The London Sessions on 12/2, it was announced today. The soul siren’s new set finds her collaborating with leading lights of U.K. music like Sam Smith, Emeli Sandé, Naughty Boy, Disclosure, Eg White and more. Capitol chief Steve Barnett, whose flair for uniting U.S. and U.K. musical currents we’ve noted elsewhere, called Blige “one of the most successful and acclaimed artists in any genre” and praised The London Sessions as “a fantastic album, another step forward for this great and enduring artist.” Smith, who co-wrote lead single “Therapy” with Blige and White (hitting iTunes on 9/23), called the set “number one, the bravest thing, and number two, just so honest.” Blige will perform at London’s iTunes Festival on 9/25. (9/9a)