The Brand New Heavies are a British music institution whose unique mix of jazz, funk and soul has lit up the dance scene for well over two decades - and shows no sign of stopping.
The founding and ever-present trio of Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy on drums/keyboards, guitar and bass respectively had been influential in creating what became known as the acid jazz scene. They have since steered the Brand New Heavies into the current millennium, where they remain as influential and respected as ever.
A single, 'Got To Give', came out on Cooltempo before the band signed to Acid Jazz Records and released 'Brand New Heavies' in 1990 with the emphasis on instrumental rather than vocal material. In America, where they were signed to the Delicious Vinyl label, they started getting press attention. Jan Kincaid recalls 'a live show in New York which also got great press. Word got back to the UK and suddenly there was this massive buzz ... From then on, the public and press perception really took off for us.'
Their eponymous debut album, re-issued with Davenport's vocals added, took off around the world in 1992, fuelled by the hits 'Never Stop' (a new track), 'Stay This Way' and 'Dream Come True'. The video for 'Stay This Way' enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV, taking them to a still wider audience.
The Brand New Heavies have been a part of the British music scene for over a quarter of a century. And, while they've always looked west for inspiration, we can be justifiably claim them as our own.
