In 1994, The Brand New Heavies shot from underground acid jazz favourites to mainstream success with Brother Sister. Packed with hits – Dream On Dreamer, Midnight At The Oasis, Back To Love and Spend Some TIme – the album balanced sophisticated musicianship with insistent soul grooves, heightened by the gorgeous soul tones of vocalist N’Dea Davenport and the band’s shimmering live feel. Ultimately Brother Sister became their highest peaking album with a #4 UK Chart position leading a strong selection of international chart placings. Its success continued with a BRIT Award nomination for Best Dance Act and an MTV MVA nomination for Dream On Dreamer.
The Brand New Heavies
The Brand New Heavies will celebrate the impact of Brother Sister with the release of its 30th Anniversary Remastered & Expanded Editions on 27th September. They launch the album by sharing one of the group’s bass man Andrew Levy’s personal favourites, Put Yourself In My Shoes (Demo ft N’Dea Davenport and Jan Kincaid) which really highlights the splendour and power of Davenport’s signature voice.
The 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition features the original Brother Sister album, which has been freshly remastered by Tom Parker, feels just as fresh and invigorating as it did all those years ago. CD1 is completed with three additional tracks: Los Burritos from the US version of the album, and two exemplary B-sides from the era – Baby Don’t Use Me and Touch Of Your Love – both of which demonstrate just how deep their inspiration ran.
Further previously unheard material from the sessions are now shared for the first time on CD2. Two deep cut demos particularly stand out: in addition to the previously unreleased version of Put Yourself In My Shoes (Demo ft. N’Dea Davenport & Jan Kincaid) comes the funk-fuelled instrumental jam Pocket Full of Bass (Demo). The disc is completed with a selection of remixes from the likes of David Morales, Roger Sanchez and Bobby D’Ambrosio, some of which have only previously been released on vinyl promos and will now debut on digital platforms. The remix selection is rounded out by a new storming, uplifting rework of Back To Love by Luke Mornay.
Listen to Put Yourself In My Shoes (Demo ft. N’Dea Davenport & Jan Kincaid) below:
Andrew Levy says: “There’s some really great storytelling there – you might have a romantic betrayal, or an uplifting message. Every song has that push-and-pull that creates this dynamic, and I think that’s what a lot of people fell in love with.” Guitarist Simon Bartholomew adds:” “You can hear it all – the human experience, the joy of creating, the struggle, the fun. It’s all in there!”
Now fronted by another remarkable vocal talent in the shape of Angela Ricci, The Brand New Heavies also today announce details of a special celebration show at the Royal Albert Hall with The London Concert Orchestra on 12th March 2025. The band have planned an unforgettable night for their first show at the prestigious venue in 27 years, with guest appearances from a host of renowned acid jazz artists: Omar, James Taylor (The James Taylor Quartet), Tony Momrelle (Incognito), Snowboy and Eddie Piller. The night will be completed with support from two next generation artists, Boreal Sun and Cut Capers. Expect surprises, exclusive renditions, and a level of energy that only The Brand New Heavies can deliver.
The Royal Albert Hall show adds to The Brand New Heavies’ live schedule following the Brother Sister 30th anniversary national UK tour which starts in November. Their upcoming shows are:
NOVEMBER
1st – Sheffield, The Foundry
8th – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
9th – Coventry, HMV Empire
16th – Newcastle, Boiler Shop
22nd – Brighton, Dome
23rd – Cardiff, Tramshed
30th – Frome, Cheese & Grain
DECEMBER
20th – Birmingham, Town Hall
MARCH 2025
12th – London, Royal Albert Hall
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