The Brand New Heavies started out as an instrumental acid jazz band that formed in the mid 80’s, quickly gaining a cult following on the London club scene. It wasn’t until their debut self-titled record was released in 1990 when the wider world starting to take note of their talent. With a revamped version featuring the vocal talents of N’Dea Davenport, tracks such as ‘Dream Come True’, ‘Never Stop’ and ‘Stay This Way’ became hits on both sides of the Atlantic, cementing a firm fan base for evermore.

Their sophomore album Brother Sister, released in 1994 featured a cover version of Maria Muldaur’s ‘Midnight at the Oasis’, which is the one track that the majority of people remember them for. There was however, a time shortly before this, which saw them play all over the world on the strength of their debut album, the tracks were strong, the band were tight and with N’Dea Davenport on guest vocals, they could do no wrong.

There was only one live album recorded during the early days, which featured the original line up of the band, this was available in Japan in the late 90’s for a very short time before it was deleted. Fast forward 20 years and I was delighted to hear that the Acid Jazz label have remastered a new release from the original source tape and made it available on a ‘baby blue’ double LP, CD and Download.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get stuck in!

The album opens with a couple of instrumental tracks ‘Gimme One of Those’ & ‘BNH’ which really showcase the musical ability of one of the tightest soul/funk bands on offer at the time. A sublime saxophone solo courtesy of Mike Smith really kicks things up a gear and with Dennis Rollins and Colin Graham on trombone and trumpet respectively, you know you’re in very good company.

Andrew Levy’s solid bass performance during ‘BNH’ formed the groove whilst the brass section and guitarist Si Bartholomew jammed over the top, creating some otherworldly sounds. Combine this with the intricate keyboard skills of one Max Beesley and the metronomic skills of Jan Kincaid and Jeff Scantlebury on drums and percussion and you have yourself a band, a bloody good one at that!

‘Ride in the Sky’ introduces the silky smooth vocal prowess of N’Dea Davenport and with her cajoling the audience into life, you know that the party has officially started.

‘People Get Ready’ is a full on funk fest with the brass section being put through their paces whilst the rest of band lay down the groove, Andrew Levy’s bass sounding tighter than spandex throughout whilst Mike Smith and Colin Graham deliver world class saxophone/trumpet solos.

Davenport uses the instrumental track ‘Mr Taneka’ to introduce the band and allow them to flex their muscles, this demonstrated that they all had what it took to be on that stage. From here, a couple of classics are played back to back, ‘Never Stop’ is one of the tracks that many people remember the band for and to hear it played almost 20 years ago, sounding like a new born baby is incredible. This was followed by ‘Stay This Way’, opened by Davenport asking “Is there anyone in love?”, another stone cold classic that showcased their signature sound, funky guitar, tight bass and horns and of course, Davenport’s honey tinged vocals.

It’s great to see them include a cover and their version of ‘Doing it to Death’ by the legend that was James Brown sits nicely towards the end of the set. As the light starts to fade, we are treated to ‘Dream Come True’, which brings everything back up to full capacity, the bass and funky guitar really showcasing the bands’ signature sound.

Seeing the band live is always a treat, I did so just before COVID-19 struck and although the line-up of the band may have changed over the years, their work ethic hasn’t, every member gave 100% and made damned sure that everyone in that room had the time of their lives.

They performed a live stream at London’s Jazz Café on Valentine’s day this year and whilst this may have satisfied some, I don’t think you can beat the real thing, especially when it comes to The Brand New Heavies. Fingers crossed that the band will be out on the road again as soon as it’s safe to do so, keep your eyes on their socials for more information as it lands.

Shibuya 357 - The Brand New Heavies Live in Tokyo 1992 will be released on 12th March on the Acid Jazz label.

Review by Steve Muscutt