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Biography
Initially known as Brother International, the band began as an instrumental acid-jazz group in 1985, changing their name to Brand New Heavies after gaining their first record contract. The band were quick to gain a cult following, finding many fans in the burgeoning London club scene. Initially formed of Jan Kincaid (drums/keyboards), Simon Bartholomew (guitars) and Andrew Levy (bass/keyboards), the band soon added a brass section as well as vocalist Jay Ella Ruth.
The band signed with indie label, Acid Jazz, for their self-titled debut album, which garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The band also gained a US distribution deal with Delicious Vinyl, with whom they re-recorded their debut for a US release. Jay Ella Ruth also left the group at this time, with N’dea Davenport brought in instead. Brand New Heavies found hits in the UK with “Dream Come True” and “Stay This Way,” but it was with “Never Stop” that the Heavies broke the US market, becoming the first group to break into the American R&B Chart since Soul II Soul’s success.
After collaborating with Q-Tip and MC Sech, the Brand New Heavies were inspired to incorporate more hip hop influences into their music, evident in their next album, “Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1.” The album brought in Main Source, Gang Starr, Grand Puba and The Pharcyde to feature on the 1992 recording, which peaked at 38 in the UK and 139 in the US.
Success continued for the Heavies with 1994’s “Brother Sister,” which went Platinum in the UK. Davenport left the group to pursue a solo career, with singer Siedah Garrett taking over vocal responsibilities, with her first feature with the band being on 1997’s “Shelter.”
After two successful greatest hits albums, released on both sides of the atlantic, Davenport decided to reunite with the group, joining them early in 2006. “Get Used To It” arrived a year later, after which they embarked on an extensive tour across the UK and Europe. The band returned to their instrumental roots with 2011’s “Dunk Your Trunk,” before once again uniting with N’Dea Davenport, as well as new vocalist Dawn Joseph, for 2013’s “Forward.” Joseph became the group’s sole vocalist on their 2014 release, “Sweet Freaks,” their first for Earmusic.
Live reviews
Acid jazz and punk outfit The Brand New Heavies are the epitome of eccentric and may be described as a small piece of London history. They soon approach the thirtieth anniversary of the band's formation and within that time they have achieved an awful lot yet as they work mainly underground you probably won't have heard about it unless you are in tune with Ealing's bustling music scene.
They have been consistently releasing albums although only two made any real impact on the UK charts, luckily for fans tonight's setlist is a collation of all their music and not just those albums. There is a great melange of material on offer including 'Midnight at the Oasis' and 'Dream On Dreamer' and a selection of other hits. The show is as eccentric as you would imagine with great costumes and theatrical performances from all four members. Your eyes are not sure where to look during the performance but this is part of the brilliance as it is so absorbing you leave feeling as though you have just entered an alternative world if only for a couple of hours.
sean-ward
I have to say that the Brand New Heavies do not produce my favorite style of music but I gave it a chance when a friend gave me some tickets. The venue that the gig was held in was awesome and I really enjoyed some of the new music I never heard before. I can only say one word from my experience and that it was awesome.
Some of the highlights for me were Jan Kincaid's lead vocals on their track Heaven and Dawn Joseph on their song Sometimes. What I came to learn as well is that this band are performers and they give a great performance for the money paid to buy the ticket. I went home after the gig and went and gave a listen to more of their songs and everything I really enjoyed a lot.
Go check them out because it will be one of the best experiences of your life. I would say if you have never heard of the band give them a listen before buying a ticket because their style of music is not for everyone. If you do end up liking their music go see a show when they come to a town near you because you will not be disappointed one bit.
Fantastic evening! The Heavies were on great form, and they didn't let a faulty guitar stop them.
They played all the classics and got the crowd moving to the grooves. The Clapham Grand was a great venue; good acoustics (thought at points deafening) and nice space for dancing.
My faves were 'Dream On Dreamer/Midnight at the Oasis', 'Sometimes', 'Spend Some Time', 'You Are The Universe' and 'Dream Come True'. The last two were played at the very end, and it was a fitting end to a brilliant gig.
All in all, a solid 9/10!
jazzfunker
I have wanted to see the BNH for a while now since I'd seen them touring.
My mate introduced me to their music when we were at college together years ago.
Thoroughly enjoyed the gig, a mix of greatest hits and songs off the new album. They played to the crowd brilliantly and fed off the positive vibe.
I am so glad we went and hope to get the chance to see them again.
ian-donald-1
Absolutely one of best shows I ever seen in my 35 yrs of concert going. N'Dea Davenport's homecoming to ATL. She killed it! No gimmicks, costume changes or light show, just the band and a stage. Buckhead Theater perfect quaint venue. Must see.
rbynum12
Excellent evening. Fabulous music the band were really engaging and surpassed my expectations. I loved the venue I will definitely look for more acts there. Enjoyed food & drink in the bar downstairs beforehand.
nickyamato
the show was everything I expected. Love seeing the Guys back together again.Been a fan for for 20 years. they sounded just as great as they did 20 years ago. They have not lost a beat. A MUST SEE show.
malek
