The Brand New Heavies’ album ‘Brother Sister’ is classic: an album that defined acid jazz and took it into the mainstream with a #4 UK chart peak, assisted by an array of hits such as ‘Dream On Dreamer’, ‘Midnight At The Oasis’, ‘Back To Love’ and ‘Spend Some TIme’. Now the two-time BRIT Award nominees prove that the album remains just as timeless as essential all these years later, with today’s release of the album’s 30th Anniversary Remastered and Expanded Edition. Listen HERE.
The original album has been given a revitalised vibrancy with a complete remaster courtesy of Tom Parker, while the Expanded Edition takes us deeper into The Brand New Heavies’ creative universe at the time. All formats add three essential tracks: ‘Los Burritos’ from the North American album release, and ‘Baby Don’t Use Me’ and ‘Touch of Your Love’, two b-sides that possess the quality of fan favourite album tracks.
The CD and digital formats add a range of remixes from the likes of David Morales, Roger Sanchez and Bobby D’Ambrosio, many of which now make their debut on streaming platforms after initially only being released as vinyl club promos.
The collection also highlights Luke Mornay’s brand new Homecoming Mix of ‘Back To Love’, which finds the optimal balance between the band’s infectious grooves and the soulful sensuality of N’Dea Davenport’s voice while adding a new and uplifting dimension to their sound. Luke Mornay has collaborated with everyone from Amy Winehouse to The Killers via Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and as one-half of Ruff & Jam scored a Billboard Dance Chart #1 and a Grammy Award nomination for their remix of Kylie Minogue’s ‘Love At First Sight’.
Two demos complete the CD and digital editions: a recently released version of ‘Put Yourself In My Shoes’ featuring N’Dea Davenport and Jan Kincaid, and the funk instrumental ‘Pocket Full of Bass’.
Physical formats of the ‘Brother Sister’ 30th Anniversary Remastered and Expanded Edition are available HERE. The band’s official store offers copies of the 2CD and double-vinyl (one white, one black), both of which have been signed by Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy.
After playing very select festival dates so far this year, The Brand New Heavies – now fronted by another remarkable vocal talent in the shape of Angela Ricci – will embark upon a special ‘Brother Sister 30’ tour in November during which they will play the album in full.
Their celebrations will continue into 2025 when they play a unique show at the Royal Albert Hall with The London Concert Orchestra on March 12th. 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.
Remaining tickets for the shows listed below are available HERE.
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 **
* support from DJ Simon Phillips (Jazz FM)
** support from Cut Capers
MARCH 2025
12th – London, Royal Albert Hall
