(September 20, 2019) Longevity in the music industry certainly speaks to the perseverance of the artist, especially through the high tech changes that dominate the new millennium. Incognito and The Brand New Heavies (TBNH) are two pioneering musical ensembles that created a special era in the eighties and nineties called acid jazz – fusing elements of urban influenced genres. The good news is that both of them are still cranking out those joyous vibes from yesteryear today.
Through the personnel tweaks over the years, the core group of TNBH - Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy - keep nailing down their soulful, jazzy, funky greatness in an organic way, sans auto-tune tricks. A more recent First Listen, “Getaway”, from TBNH recent self-titled project for Acid Jazz Records, demonstrates disco-frosted funk, anchored by one of the band’s core vocalists N-Dea Davenport.
(September 20, 2019) Longevity in the music industry certainly speaks to the perseverance of the artist, especially through the high tech changes that dominate the new millennium. Incognito and The Brand New Heavies (TBNH) are two pioneering musical ensembles that created a special era in the eighties and nineties called acid jazz – fusing elements of urban influenced genres. The good news is that both of them are still cranking out those joyous vibes from yesteryear today.
Through the personnel tweaks over the years, the core group of TNBH - Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy - keep nailing down their soulful, jazzy, funky greatness in an organic way, sans auto-tune tricks. A more recent First Listen, “Getaway”, from TBNH recent self-titled project for Acid Jazz Records, demonstrates disco-frosted funk, anchored by one of the band’s core vocalists N-Dea Davenport.
If that is not enough, Davenport and TBNH are brought back for a First Listen encore, “Wired Up.” where the dance floor energy is turned up. The funky guitar rubs sets the pace, wonderfully painted with electric piano fills and a brief yet potent solo. And Davenport takes full charge of the lead microphone, flexing her vocal range from silky to sassy, adding to the already infectious grooves. Precious moments like “Wired Up” are one of many reasons why The Brand New Heavies remain a much respected international sensation for the cause of acid jazz, near thirty years on.
By Peggy Oliver
The Brand New Heavies feat. N'Dea Davenport - "Wired Up"