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{{Short description|British jazz and funk band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2010}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
| Name = Brand New Heavies | name = The Brand New Heavies
| Img = | image = The Brand New Heavies - Leverkusener Jazztage 2016-AL6795.jpg
| Img_capt = | landscape = yes
| Img_size = | caption = The Brand New Heavies performing in 2016
| Landscape = yes | background = group_or_band
| Background = group_or_band | alias =
| Birth_name = | origin = ], London, England
| Alias = | instrument =
| Born = | genre = {{flat list |
*]
| Died =
*]}}
| Origin = ], ], ]
| Instrument = | occupation =
| years_active = 1985–present
| Genre = ], ]
| Occupation = | label = {{flat list |
*]
| Years_active = 1985-present
| Label = Acid Jazz, ], FFRR, Chrysalis UK, EDEL *]
*]
| Associated_acts = ]<br/>
*]
| URL =
*]}}
| Current_members = Jan Kincaid<br/> Simon Bartholomew<br/> Andrew Levy<br/>
| associated_acts =
| Past_ featured_members = N'Dea Davenport<br/> ]<br/> ]<br/> Nicole Russo<br/> ]<br/>
| website = {{Official website|https://the-brand-new-heavies.com/}}
| Notable_instruments =
| current_members = Simon Bartholomew<br>Andrew Levy<br>Angela Ricci
| past_members = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>Lascelles Gordon<br>Dawn Joseph<br>Jan Kincaid<br>Honey Larochelle<br>Ross Kilpatrick<br>Nicole Russo<br>Jaye Ella Ruth<br>]
}} }}


The '''Brand New Heavies''' are an ] and ] group formed in ] in ], a ] of ], ]. '''The Brand New Heavies''' are an English ] formed in 1985, consisting of Simon Bartholomew, Andrew Levy, and Jan Kincaid. After the addition of ] in 1990, the group experienced mainstream success and pioneered a new genre called ].


The Brand New Heavies released their debut ] in June 1990. The album was reissued in 1991 with newly recorded vocals by American singer-songwriter ], a new addition to the lineup. The album's singles "]", "Dream Come True", and "]" became a success with the latter two charting in UK Top 25. Their breakthrough success came with the release of their third album '']'' in April 1994, which peaked at number 4 on ] and became certified platinum by the ] (BPI). The album's lead single "]" charted in the top 20 in several different countries, including peaking at number 15 on the ]. Davenport departed from the group and was replaced with American singer-songwriter ]. The group released their fourth album '']'' in April 1997 to commercial success, achieved another certified platinum album by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Garrett departed from the group in 1998 and was replaced by ].
==Biography==
The Brand New Heavies began in the 1980s as an instrumental ] group called Brother International.<ref name="hammer"/> According to Simon Bartholomew, "We made a tape on 7 microphone on cassette and they played it, nobody stopped dancing... and the rest is history!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clubbity.com/charts_fea_roots.asp?ID=223&tipo=interviews|title=Interview|publisher=Clubbity.com|author=Berto, Alessio 'Soulbeat'}}</ref>


After Anderson's departure in 2000, the group experienced a decline in mainstream popularity after being fronted by several session singers before Davenport's return in 2006. The group released '']'' in June 2006, followed by their live album '']'' in 2009. In April 2013, they released their album ''Forward'', an album featuring vocals by Davenport and new addition Dawn Joseph. The group hired Dawn Joseph as their featured vocalist, ultimately releasing Davenport from the group. Following the release of the album ''Sweet Freaks'' (2014), Joseph and Jan Kincaid departed from the group. ] toured with the group from 2016 to 2018, before being replaced with Angela Ricci.
The group came up with the Heavies name after signing their first record contract, borrowing from a liner note on a ] single declaring the artist "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk".<ref>Interview with ], ] 102.2 (London), ], ].</ref> As The Brand New Heavies, they gained a cult following in the London club scene and soon signed to ] as ] replaced rare groove in clubs. The band would issued a debut recording for Eddie Pillar's ] label in 1990 with Jay Ella Ruth as lead singer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soultalk.rhythmflow.net/shows_ndea_davenport.html|title=N'Dea Davenport Interview|publisher=SoulTalk}}</ref>


The Brand New Heavies have sold over 2.5 million records worldwide and regarded as one of the leading bands in the genre of ].
A single, "Got To Give", came out on Cooltempo before the Brand New Heavies signed to ] and released '']'' to critical acclaim. The band signed to a division of ] in the UK,<ref name="hammer">{{cite web|url=http://www.nuvo.net/hammer/int/bnheavies.html|title=Interview: Simon Bartholomew|author=Hammer, Steve}}</ref> and American distribution was picked up by influential label ], and ] (who had signed an ] with ]) joined the group. A revamped version of the first album with vocals by N'Dea Davenport was then released, and the singles "Dream Come True" and "Never Stop," both with Davenport vocals, became hits on both sides of the ].


==History==
The group's appearance with ] (formerly of ]) and ] (of ]) at a performance in ], inspired the group to incorporate elements of ]. Their next album was the critically acclaimed '']'', which included collaborations with ] of ] and ], among others, but lacked any female vocals.
===1985–1990: Formation and early years===
In 1985, Simon Bartholomew, Jan Kincaid, and Andrew Levy formed a band originally called Brother International.<ref name="hammer">{{cite web|url=http://www.nuvo.net/hammer/int/bnheavies.html |title=Interview: Simon Bartholomew |author=Hammer, Steve |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210174329/http://www.nuvo.net/hammer/int/bnheavies.html |archive-date=10 December 2006 }}</ref> The band recorded a demo which was played at a nightclub called The Cat in the Hat.<ref name="classicpopmag">. Classic Pop Magazine. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> After the demo received positive feedback in the club, the band was booked to perform at the club.<ref name="classicpopmag"/><ref name="allmusicbio">. AllMusic. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> In 1987, Brother International opened for ] at a concert at ].<ref name="classicpopmag"/> Shortly after their brief stint with Brown, the group changed their name to The Brand New Heavies, inspired by one of Brown's honorific titles "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk".<ref>Interview with Jon Scragg, ] 102.2 (London), 22 October 2004.</ref> In June 1988, The Brand New Heavies released a single titled "Got to Give" on ].<ref name="allmusicbio"/> In 1989, the group moved to ]'s ] and developed a new genre of music called ].<ref name="allmusicbio"/>


In mid-1989, The Brand New Heavies released their second single "People Get Ready". The group added female vocalist Jaye Ella Ruth to the lineup and began recording their first album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soultalk.rhythmflow.net/shows_ndea_davenport.html |title=N'Dea Davenport Interview |publisher=SoulTalk |access-date=2014-04-25 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211085519/http://www.soultalk.rhythmflow.net/shows_ndea_davenport.html |archive-date=11 February 2009 }}</ref> On 1 June 1990, The Brand New Heavies released their debut ].<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> The album's lead single "Dream Come True" peaked at number sixty-three on the US ] chart. Ruth departed from the group shortly after the release of single.
'']'' (]) was the last album for a while with N'Dea Davenport, who had left to complete her solo album (which she had put on hold to join the Heavies). The album spawned more singles, though one of them, a cover of ]'s "]," was popular only in the UK because it was not included in the US version of the album.


===1991–1999: Breakthrough success and lineup changes===
] joined the group for their next album, ''Shelter'' (]). It contained the minor hit, the ]-penned song "You've Got A Friend" that was originally made famous by ]. Again, though, this song did not appear on the US version of the album.
]
At the recommendation of their record label, American singer ] was added to the lineup in 1990. The group re-recorded and released their first album on ] with lead vocals by Davenport in 1991. The album peaked at number twenty-four on the ] and earned a silver-certification by the ] (BPI).<ref name="officialcharts">. Official Charts. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref><ref>. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> The group reissued their singles; "Dream Come True", "Stay This Way", and "]", all of which peaked in the top forty on the ].<ref name="officialcharts" /> The success of the album invited the group to perform on '']'', '']'', and '']''. Their follow-up album '']'' was released in 1992.


In March 1994, they released their third album '']''. ''Brother Sister'' peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart and earned platinum-certification by the BPI.<ref name="officialcharts" /><ref>. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> The album spawned the single "]" which became crossover hit, peaking within the top twenty on several international music charts.<ref name="officialcharts" /> The music video of "Dream On Dreamer" also received a ] nomination for "Best R&B Video". The album's follow-up singles "Back to Love" and a cover version of "]" peaked in the top thirty on the UK Singles chart.<ref name="officialcharts" /> At the ] in 1995, the group received a nomination for "British Dance Act". Davenport left the group due to irreconcilable differences in 1996 and was replaced with American singer-songwriter ].
The Brand New Heavies then released their greatest hits album, ''Trunk Funk'' (2000) with ] on vocals for some newly recorded songs, followed by the Japan only album ''We Won't Stop'' (2003) featuring a variety of vocalists and '']'' (]) featuring British singer ] on vocals.


{{multiple image
In April 2006, the Brand New Heavies reunited with N'Dea Davenport and former label Delicious Vinyl. A new album, ''Get Used to It'' was released on ], ] via ] and more traditional music retail outlets. The album was recorded in ] and London; and the lead single "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" was issued in early May. The single was notable for being one of very few late releases to feature the trademarked "]", as the legendary disco pioneer had been asked to contribute mixes. Later that year, their song "Jump 'N' Move" was featured on the ] for the 2006 computer animated ], '']'', and the in-game soundtrack for 2004's ]. The band toured at the end of 2006.
| total_width = 290
| align = left
| image1 = Siedah Garrett 2.png
| image2 = Carleen Anderson.jpg
| footer = The group's lead singers included Garrett (left) from 1995-1998, and Anderson (right) from 1998-2000.
}}
In April 1997, the group's third '']'' was released. Like its predecessor, the album peaked in the top five on the UK Albums Chart and platinum-certification by the BPI.<ref name="officialcharts" /><ref>. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> The album's lead single "]" peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and earned silver-certification by the BPI.<ref>. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> The album's follow-up singles "]" and "]" charted in the top twenty-five; with the latter peaking at number nine.<ref name="officialcharts" />

In 1998, Garrett departed from the group to continue her songwriting career. She was replaced by American singer ]. Anderson recorded a few songs with the group, most notably "Saturday Nite" and a re-recorded version of her song "]", which appeared on the group's compilation album '']'' in September 1999. The album received silver-certification from the BPI.<ref>. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024</ref> In 2000, Anderson departed from the group to record her third solo album.<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on July 24, 2024</ref>

===2000–2004: Declined success===
In 2000, the group experienced a decline in mainstream popularity. They were dropped from their record deal with ] and ]. In 2003, they released their fifth studio album titled ''We Won't Stop'' on ].<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024</ref> The album failed to reach the success of their previous albums. The group returned to the studio to record another album. During the recording of their upcoming album, they were introduced to Nicole Russo by their management.<ref name="higherfrequency">. Higher Frequency. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref> Russo was invited to write and record on the album and soon became their featured vocalist.<ref name="higherfrequency"/> Their follow-up album '']'' was independently released in October 2004. The album yield two singles; "Boogie" and "Surrender" which failed to reach the top forty on UK Singles Chart.

===2005–2013: Davenport's return===
In 2005, Davenport accepted the group's invitation to rejoin the group. The group also reunited with Delicious Vinyl and began recording their forthcoming album in London. In June 2006, the group released their seventh album '']''. The album's lead single was a cover version of ]'s song "]", which peaked at number twelve on the ] chart.<ref name="officialcharts"/> The group headlined their concert tour from 2006 to 2008. They released two remix albums titled ''Elephantitis: The Funk + House Remixes'' (2007)<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024</ref> and ''Elephantitis: The Funk + House Remixes 2'' (2009).<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024</ref> In October 2009, they released a live album titled '']'', which features their concert performance at ] on 16 October 2008, in London.<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024</ref>

In November 2011, The Brand New Heavies released a instrumental album called ''Dunk Your Trunk''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.pedigreecuts.com/?p=1740 |title=PEDF043 – The Brand New Heavies – Dunk Your Trunk &#124; Pedigree CutsPedigree Cuts |publisher=Blog.pedigreecuts.com |access-date=2014-04-25 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426205338/http://blog.pedigreecuts.com/?p=1740 |archive-date=26 April 2014 }}</ref> In April 2013, The Brand New Heavies released their album ''Forward''. The album featured lead vocals by Davenport and new addition Dawn Joseph.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/835/the_brand_new_heavies_call_in_the_heavi |title=The Brand New Heavies: Call in the Heavies |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |access-date=2014-04-25}}</ref> Davenport however was not invited back to finish recording on the album and when the group released "Sunlight" as the album's lead single, Davenport was not featured in the music video. The group toured during the latter part of 2013, often using concert flyers with Davenport's image to market the tour. In a statement issued from Davenport's Facebook, she announced that she was not invited to rejoin the group on their concert tours and any shows marketed with her likeness would not include her.<ref>. Facebook. Retrieved on 24 July 2024</ref><ref>. Facebook. Retrieved on 24 July 2024</ref> On 10 October 2013, The Brand New Heavies released a statement on their website stating that Dawn Joseph had officially joined the band as full-time lead vocalist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebrandnewheavies.net/dawn-joseph-announced-as-full-time-lead-vocalist/ |title=Dawn Joseph announced as full-time lead vocalist |publisher=thebrandnewheavies.net |date=2013-10-10 |access-date=2014-04-25 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011212216/http://www.thebrandnewheavies.net/dawn-joseph-announced-as-full-time-lead-vocalist/ |archive-date=11 October 2014}}</ref>

===2014–present: Subsequent releases===
]
In October 2014, The Brand New Heavies released their ninth studio album ''Sweet Freaks'', with Dawn Joseph on lead vocals. Jan Kincaid and Dawn Joseph both left The Brand New Heavies in late 2015. In July 2016, ] joined and toured with the group until 2018. In November 2018, the band started touring with Angela Ricci on vocals. In April 2019, The Brand New Heavies released "Getaway", a previously recorded unreleased song which featured N'Dea Davenport on vocals. The group released their studio album, ''TBNH'', on 6 September 2019 on ]. The album features unreleased songs recorded with Davenport, ], ], ], Angela Ricci, ], Honey Larochelle, and Laville. In July 2024, The Brand New Heavies announced their plans to release a deluxe edition of their album ''Brother Sister'' titled ''Brother Sister 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition''.<ref name="brightonhove">. Brighton and Hove News. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref> The group also announced their upcoming Brother Sister 30 UK Tour with Ricci as their featured vocalist.<ref name="brightonhove"/>

==Legacy==
{{main|Acid jazz}}
The Brand New Heavies have been considered as one of the defining bands of the ],<ref>. The Boar. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref> a genre mixture of ], ], and ] music.<ref>. AllMusic. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref> The group have sold over 2.5 million records worldwide.<ref>. Peterborough Telegraph. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref> In 2020, the group was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award at third annual Pop Magazine Awards.<ref>. Pop Magazine. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref>

In April 2021, an art exhibition called Brand New Heavies was curated by Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas.<ref>. Pioneer Works. Retrieved 25 July 2024</ref> The exhibition featured the work of artists Abigail DeVille, Xaviera Simmons, and Rosa-Johan Uddoh. The curators also chose the name as the featured artists considered themselves the "New Heavies" of the artworld. The exhibition opened at ] in ], ] on April 2.<ref>. Robb Report. Retrieved on 25 July 2024</ref>


==Members== ==Members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;Current members
* Simon Bartholomew – vocals, guitar, producer <small>(1985–present)</small>
* Andrew Levy – bass, keyboards, producer <small>(1985–present)</small>
* Angela Ricci – vocals <small>(2018–present)</small>

{{col-2}}
;Former members
* Jan Kincaid – vocals, drums <small>(1985–2015)</small>
* Lascelles Gordon – percussion, keyboards <small>(1985–1992)</small>
* ] – keyboards <small>(1985–1992)</small>
* Jaye Ella Ruth – lead vocals <small>(1990)</small>
* Rob Cremona – keyboards <small>(1990–1991)</small>
* Jim Wellman – saxophone <small>(1990–1991)</small>
* ] – lead vocals, tambourine <small>(1990–1995, 2005–2013)</small>
* ] – saxophone <small>(1994–1996)</small>
* ] – trombone <small>(1994–1996)</small>
* ] – trumpet, flugelhorn <small>(1994–1997)</small>
* ] – lead vocals <small>(1995–1998)</small>
* ] – lead vocals <small>(1999–2000)</small>
* ] – session vocalist <small>(2003)</small>
* Nicole Russo – lead vocals <small>(2003–2004)</small>
* Dawn Joseph – lead vocals <small>(2013–2015)</small>
* ] – vocals <small>(2016–2018)</small>
{{col-end}}

==Discography==
{{Main|The Brand New Heavies discography}}
*'']'' (1990)
*'']'' (1992)
*'']'' (1994)
*'']'' (1997)
*''We Won't Stop'' (2003)
*'']'' (2004)
*'']'' (2006)
*''Dunk Your Trunk'' (2011)
*''Forward'' (2013)
*''Sweet Freaks'' (2014)
*''TBNH'' (2019)


==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! Year
! Band Member
! Award
! Instrument
! Category
! Dates
! Nominee/work
! Result
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|- |-
| 1994
| ]<br/> <small>(born ], ] in Ealing)</small>
| ], ] | ]
| Best R&B Video
| 1985-present
| "Dream on Dreamer"
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1994/mtvvmas.htm |title=1994 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS |work=Rock on the Net |access-date=25 January 2020}}</ref>
|- |-
| 1995
| ]<br/> <small>(born ], ] in Ealing)</small>
| ] | ]
| British Dance Act
| 1985-present
| The Brand New Heavies
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|
|- |-
| 1998
| ] <br/> <small>(born ], ] in Ealing)</small>
| ]
| ], ], ], ]
| British Dance Act
| 1985-present
| The Brand New Heavies
|-
| {{nom}}
| ] <br/>
| style="text-align:center;"|
| ], ]
| debut album (1991)
|-
| ] <br/>
| ], ], ]
| debut album (1991)
|-
| ] <br/> <small>(born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA)</small>
| ]
| 1990-1995, 2005-present
|-
| ] <br/>
| ]
| 1997
|-
| ] <br/>
| ]
|
|-
| ] <br/>
| ]
| 2004
|-
| ] <br/>
| ]
|
|- |-
| 2020
| Pop Magazine Awards
| Lifetime Achievement Award
| The Brand New Heavies
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pop-mag.com/2020-01-19/welcome-to-the-pop-awards-2020-the-third-annual-pop-awards/|title=Welcome to the POP AWARDS 2020, the third annual Pop Awards|date=19 January 2020|first=Leslie|last=Addo|work=Pop Magazine|access-date=25 January 2020}}</ref>
|} |}


==Discography== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
===Studio Albums===
*'']'' (1990, debut, almost no vocals)
*''The Brand New Heavies'' (1991, vocals by ])
*''Heavy Rhyme Experience'', Vol. 1 (1992, vocals by various hip hop groups and rappers)
*'']'' (1994, vocals by N'Dea Davenport)
*''Shelter'' (1997, vocals by ])
*''We Won't Stop'' (2003, Japan Only release; vocals by various singers)
*''Allaboutthefunk'' (2004, vocals by Nicole Russo)
*''Get Used to It'' (2006, vocals by N'Dea Davenport)

===Compilations===
*''Original Flava'' (1995)
*''Trunk Funk - The Best of The Brand New Heavies'' (2000)
*''Excursions, Remixes & Rare Grooves'' (2001)
*''Acid Jazz Years'' (2002)
*''The Brand New Heavies: Platinum Collection'' (2006)
*''Elephantitis - The Funk + House Remixes'' (2CD, 2007)

===Singles===
*"Got To Give" (1988)
*"Dream Come True (Brand New Mix)" (Acid Jazz, 1990, different version from the single 2 years later)
*"Never Stop" (1991) UK#43
*"Stay This Way" (1991) UK#24
*"Dream Come True '92" (1992) UK#24
*"Ultimate Trunk Funk EP" (1992) UK#19 (Stay This Way/Mr. Tanaka/Don't Let It Go...)
*"Don't Let It Go To Your Head" (1992) UK#24
*"Stay This Way" (1992) UK#40
*"Bonafied Funk/Death Threat" (1992)
*"Dream On Dreamer" (1994) UK#15
*"Back To Love" (1994) UK#23
*"Midnight At The Oasis" (1994) UK#13
*"Spend Some Time" (1994) UK#26
*"Brother Sister" (1994)
*"Close To You" (1995) UK#38
*"Mind Trips" (1995)
*"World Keeps Spinning" (1996, from "]" soundtrack)
*"Sometimes" (1997) UK#11
*"You Are The Universe" (1997) UK#21
*"]" (1997) UK#9
*"Shelter" (1997) UK#31
*"Top 5 Heavy Hits" (1997)
*"You Can Do It" (1997)
*"Saturday Nite" (1999) UK#35
*"Apparently Nothing" (1999) UK#32
*"Worst Case Scenario/Saturday Nite (Jay Dee Remix)" (2000, split EP with ].
*"What Do You Take Me For" (Flower Records, 2003)
*"Boogie" (OneTwo Records/Edel Records, 2004) UK#66
*"Can We/Sometimes (Bullseye Remixes)" (2005, split EP with ].
*"Surrender" (OneTwo Records, 2005)
*"Get Used To It" (2006)
*"I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" (2006)


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* at ]
* {{Official website|https://the-brand-new-heavies.com/}}
*
* {{discogs artist|The Brand New Heavies}}
* Official Site
* - Official Site of N'Dea Davenport
* - Official website of Siedah Garrett
* - Official Site of Carleen Anderson
* - Official Site of Nicole Russo
* - Official Site of Sy Smith


{{The Brand New Heavies}}
==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Siedah Garrett}}


{{Authority control}}
]
{{Use British English|date=September 2010}}
]
]
]


] {{DEFAULTSORT:Brand New Heavies}}
]
]
] ]
]
]
]
]
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Latest revision as of 22:50, 23 October 2024

British jazz and funk band

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The Brand New Heavies
The Brand New Heavies performing in 2016The Brand New Heavies performing in 2016
Background information
OriginEaling, London, England
Genres
Years active1985–present
Labels
MembersSimon Bartholomew
Andrew Levy
Angela Ricci
Past membersCarleen Anderson
N'Dea Davenport
Sunship
Sulene Fleming
Siedah Garrett
Lascelles Gordon
Dawn Joseph
Jan Kincaid
Honey Larochelle
Ross Kilpatrick
Nicole Russo
Jaye Ella Ruth
Sy Smith
WebsiteOfficial website

The Brand New Heavies are an English band formed in 1985, consisting of Simon Bartholomew, Andrew Levy, and Jan Kincaid. After the addition of N'Dea Davenport in 1990, the group experienced mainstream success and pioneered a new genre called acid jazz.

The Brand New Heavies released their debut self-titled album in June 1990. The album was reissued in 1991 with newly recorded vocals by American singer-songwriter N'Dea Davenport, a new addition to the lineup. The album's singles "Never Stop", "Dream Come True", and "Don't Let It Go to Your Head" became a success with the latter two charting in UK Top 25. Their breakthrough success came with the release of their third album Brother Sister in April 1994, which peaked at number 4 on UK Albums Chart and became certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The album's lead single "Dream On Dreamer" charted in the top 20 in several different countries, including peaking at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. Davenport departed from the group and was replaced with American singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett. The group released their fourth album Shelter in April 1997 to commercial success, achieved another certified platinum album by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Garrett departed from the group in 1998 and was replaced by Carleen Anderson.

After Anderson's departure in 2000, the group experienced a decline in mainstream popularity after being fronted by several session singers before Davenport's return in 2006. The group released Get Used to It in June 2006, followed by their live album Live in London in 2009. In April 2013, they released their album Forward, an album featuring vocals by Davenport and new addition Dawn Joseph. The group hired Dawn Joseph as their featured vocalist, ultimately releasing Davenport from the group. Following the release of the album Sweet Freaks (2014), Joseph and Jan Kincaid departed from the group. Sulene Fleming toured with the group from 2016 to 2018, before being replaced with Angela Ricci.

The Brand New Heavies have sold over 2.5 million records worldwide and regarded as one of the leading bands in the genre of acid jazz.

History

1985–1990: Formation and early years

In 1985, Simon Bartholomew, Jan Kincaid, and Andrew Levy formed a band originally called Brother International. The band recorded a demo which was played at a nightclub called The Cat in the Hat. After the demo received positive feedback in the club, the band was booked to perform at the club. In 1987, Brother International opened for James Brown at a concert at Wembley Arena. Shortly after their brief stint with Brown, the group changed their name to The Brand New Heavies, inspired by one of Brown's honorific titles "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk". In June 1988, The Brand New Heavies released a single titled "Got to Give" on Cooltempo Records. In 1989, the group moved to Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz Records and developed a new genre of music called acid jazz.

In mid-1989, The Brand New Heavies released their second single "People Get Ready". The group added female vocalist Jaye Ella Ruth to the lineup and began recording their first album. On 1 June 1990, The Brand New Heavies released their debut self-titled album. The album's lead single "Dream Come True" peaked at number sixty-three on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Ruth departed from the group shortly after the release of single.

1991–1999: Breakthrough success and lineup changes

N'Dea Davenport was the most notable lead vocalist of The Brand New Heavies.

At the recommendation of their record label, American singer N'Dea Davenport was added to the lineup in 1990. The group re-recorded and released their first album on Delicious Vinyl with lead vocals by Davenport in 1991. The album peaked at number twenty-four on the UK Albums Chart and earned a silver-certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The group reissued their singles; "Dream Come True", "Stay This Way", and "Don't Let It Go to Your Head", all of which peaked in the top forty on the UK Singles Chart. The success of the album invited the group to perform on Soul Train, Showtime at the Apollo, and Top of the Pops. Their follow-up album Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1 was released in 1992.

In March 1994, they released their third album Brother Sister. Brother Sister peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart and earned platinum-certification by the BPI. The album spawned the single "Dream On Dreamer" which became crossover hit, peaking within the top twenty on several international music charts. The music video of "Dream On Dreamer" also received a MTV Video Music Award nomination for "Best R&B Video". The album's follow-up singles "Back to Love" and a cover version of "Midnight at the Oasis" peaked in the top thirty on the UK Singles chart. At the Brit Awards in 1995, the group received a nomination for "British Dance Act". Davenport left the group due to irreconcilable differences in 1996 and was replaced with American singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett.

The group's lead singers included Garrett (left) from 1995-1998, and Anderson (right) from 1998-2000.

In April 1997, the group's third Shelter was released. Like its predecessor, the album peaked in the top five on the UK Albums Chart and platinum-certification by the BPI. The album's lead single "Sometimes" peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and earned silver-certification by the BPI. The album's follow-up singles "You Are the Universe" and "You've Got a Friend" charted in the top twenty-five; with the latter peaking at number nine.

In 1998, Garrett departed from the group to continue her songwriting career. She was replaced by American singer Carleen Anderson. Anderson recorded a few songs with the group, most notably "Saturday Nite" and a re-recorded version of her song "Apparently Nothin'", which appeared on the group's compilation album Trunk Funk – The Best of The Brand New Heavies in September 1999. The album received silver-certification from the BPI. In 2000, Anderson departed from the group to record her third solo album.

2000–2004: Declined success

In 2000, the group experienced a decline in mainstream popularity. They were dropped from their record deal with FFRR Records and Delicious Vinyl. In 2003, they released their fifth studio album titled We Won't Stop on Canyon International. The album failed to reach the success of their previous albums. The group returned to the studio to record another album. During the recording of their upcoming album, they were introduced to Nicole Russo by their management. Russo was invited to write and record on the album and soon became their featured vocalist. Their follow-up album Allabouthefunk was independently released in October 2004. The album yield two singles; "Boogie" and "Surrender" which failed to reach the top forty on UK Singles Chart.

2005–2013: Davenport's return

In 2005, Davenport accepted the group's invitation to rejoin the group. The group also reunited with Delicious Vinyl and began recording their forthcoming album in London. In June 2006, the group released their seventh album Get Used to It. The album's lead single was a cover version of Stevie Wonder's song "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)", which peaked at number twelve on the UK R&B Singles chart. The group headlined their concert tour from 2006 to 2008. They released two remix albums titled Elephantitis: The Funk + House Remixes (2007) and Elephantitis: The Funk + House Remixes 2 (2009). In October 2009, they released a live album titled Live in London, which features their concert performance at The O2 Arena on 16 October 2008, in London.

In November 2011, The Brand New Heavies released a instrumental album called Dunk Your Trunk. In April 2013, The Brand New Heavies released their album Forward. The album featured lead vocals by Davenport and new addition Dawn Joseph. Davenport however was not invited back to finish recording on the album and when the group released "Sunlight" as the album's lead single, Davenport was not featured in the music video. The group toured during the latter part of 2013, often using concert flyers with Davenport's image to market the tour. In a statement issued from Davenport's Facebook, she announced that she was not invited to rejoin the group on their concert tours and any shows marketed with her likeness would not include her. On 10 October 2013, The Brand New Heavies released a statement on their website stating that Dawn Joseph had officially joined the band as full-time lead vocalist.

2014–present: Subsequent releases

Dawn Joseph was lead vocalist for the band from 2013 to 2015.

In October 2014, The Brand New Heavies released their ninth studio album Sweet Freaks, with Dawn Joseph on lead vocals. Jan Kincaid and Dawn Joseph both left The Brand New Heavies in late 2015. In July 2016, Sulene Fleming joined and toured with the group until 2018. In November 2018, the band started touring with Angela Ricci on vocals. In April 2019, The Brand New Heavies released "Getaway", a previously recorded unreleased song which featured N'Dea Davenport on vocals. The group released their studio album, TBNH, on 6 September 2019 on Acid Jazz Records. The album features unreleased songs recorded with Davenport, Siedah Garrett, Angie Stone, Beverley Knight, Angela Ricci, Jack Knight, Honey Larochelle, and Laville. In July 2024, The Brand New Heavies announced their plans to release a deluxe edition of their album Brother Sister titled Brother Sister 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. The group also announced their upcoming Brother Sister 30 UK Tour with Ricci as their featured vocalist.

Legacy

Main article: Acid jazz

The Brand New Heavies have been considered as one of the defining bands of the acid jazz, a genre mixture of jazz, funk, and hip-hop music. The group have sold over 2.5 million records worldwide. In 2020, the group was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award at third annual Pop Magazine Awards.

In April 2021, an art exhibition called Brand New Heavies was curated by Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas. The exhibition featured the work of artists Abigail DeVille, Xaviera Simmons, and Rosa-Johan Uddoh. The curators also chose the name as the featured artists considered themselves the "New Heavies" of the artworld. The exhibition opened at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York City on April 2.

Members

Current members
  • Simon Bartholomew – vocals, guitar, producer (1985–present)
  • Andrew Levy – bass, keyboards, producer (1985–present)
  • Angela Ricci – vocals (2018–present)
Former members
  • Jan Kincaid – vocals, drums (1985–2015)
  • Lascelles Gordon – percussion, keyboards (1985–1992)
  • Ceri Evans – keyboards (1985–1992)
  • Jaye Ella Ruth – lead vocals (1990)
  • Rob Cremona – keyboards (1990–1991)
  • Jim Wellman – saxophone (1990–1991)
  • N'Dea Davenport – lead vocals, tambourine (1990–1995, 2005–2013)
  • Mike Smith – saxophone (1994–1996)
  • Dennis Rollins – trombone (1994–1996)
  • John Thirkell – trumpet, flugelhorn (1994–1997)
  • Siedah Garrett – lead vocals (1995–1998)
  • Carleen Anderson – lead vocals (1999–2000)
  • Sy Smith – session vocalist (2003)
  • Nicole Russo – lead vocals (2003–2004)
  • Dawn Joseph – lead vocals (2013–2015)
  • Sulene Fleming – vocals (2016–2018)

Discography

Main article: The Brand New Heavies discography

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominee/work Result Ref.
1994 MTV Video Music Award Best R&B Video "Dream on Dreamer" Nominated
1995 Brit Awards British Dance Act The Brand New Heavies Nominated
1998 Brit Awards British Dance Act The Brand New Heavies Nominated
2020 Pop Magazine Awards Lifetime Achievement Award The Brand New Heavies Nominated

References

  1. Hammer, Steve. "Interview: Simon Bartholomew". Archived from the original on 10 December 2006.
  2. ^ The Brand New Heavies Interview: ‘There are all of these grooves we haven’t got out of our systems yet’. Classic Pop Magazine. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  3. ^ The Brand New Heavies Biography (AllMusic). AllMusic. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  4. Interview with Jon Scragg, Jazz FM 102.2 (London), 22 October 2004.
  5. "N'Dea Davenport Interview". SoulTalk. Archived from the original on 11 February 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  6. The Brand New Heavies - The Brand New Heavies (Overview). AllMusic. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  7. ^ Brand New Heavies Official Chart History. Official Charts. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  8. The Brand New Heavies - Brand New Heavies Silver Certification. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  9. The Brand New Heavies - Brother Sister (Platinum Certificate). British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  10. The Brand New Heavies - Shelter (Platinum Certificate). British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  11. The Brand New Heavies - Sometimes (Silver Certificate). British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  12. The Brand New Heavies - Trunk Funk - The Best Of (Silver Certificate). British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 20 July 2024
  13. Carleen Anderson Biography. AllMusic. Retrieved on July 24, 2024
  14. The Brand New Heavies - We Won't Stop. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024
  15. ^ Brand New Heavies interview. Higher Frequency. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  16. The Brand New Heavies - Elephantitis: The Funk House Remixes, Vol. 1. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024
  17. The Brand New Heavies - Elephantitis: The Funk House Remixes, Vol. 2. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024
  18. The Brand New Heavies - Live in London. AllMusic. Retrieved on 24 July 2024
  19. "PEDF043 – The Brand New Heavies – Dunk Your Trunk | Pedigree CutsPedigree Cuts". Blog.pedigreecuts.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  20. "The Brand New Heavies: Call in the Heavies". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  21. N'Dea Davenport April 3, 2013 Facebook statement. Facebook. Retrieved on 24 July 2024
  22. N'Dea Davenport June 23, 2013 Facebook statement. Facebook. Retrieved on 24 July 2024
  23. "Dawn Joseph announced as full-time lead vocalist". thebrandnewheavies.net. 10 October 2013. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  24. ^ . Brighton and Hove News. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  25. Why don’t the Black-British community have the Blues?. The Boar. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  26. Acid Jazz Music Style Overview. AllMusic. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  27. When you can see The Brand New Heavies in Peterborough. Peterborough Telegraph. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  28. Here are The Winners of The POP AWARDS 2020, The Third Annual Pop Awards!. Pop Magazine. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  29. Brand New Heavies. Pioneer Works. Retrieved 25 July 2024
  30. A Monumental New Art Exhibition in NYC Puts 3 Black Women Artists in the Spotlight. Robb Report. Retrieved on 25 July 2024
  31. "1994 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS". Rock on the Net. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  32. Addo, Leslie (19 January 2020). "Welcome to the POP AWARDS 2020, the third annual Pop Awards". Pop Magazine. Retrieved 25 January 2020.

External links

The Brand New Heavies
  • Simon Bartholomew
  • Andrew Levy
  • Angela Ricci
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Live albums
Singles
Related articles
Siedah Garrett
Solo studio albums
Solo singles
Collaboration singles
Albums with The Brand New Heavies
Singles with The Brand New Heavies
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