The Brand New Heavies Album: “Brother Sister”

I have loved this album from the very first moment it graced my ears. N'Dea Davenport's vocal depth is superbly showcased on this disc. I highly suggest this album to anyone who has an open ear for good music. The band brings out the magic in N'Dea's voice and she in turn brings out the magic in the band. It's been 8 years since the initial release of this album and it brought me through a very tough time in my life and continues to bring joy and hope to this very day.

Undoubtedly, "Dream on Dreamer" was released as the first single off of this CD because it was co-written by then hot producer Dallas Austin. To this day it remains the closest thing that the Brand New Heavies have had to a major pop hit (where it unfortunately stalled at #51). It did however have a much better run on the R&B charts, where it hit the Top 20. Amazingly, no other track from the CD even hit the charts. This is incredible given the fact that the CD also includes several tracks that equal if not surpass the first single in quality.

Immediately, the title track comes to mind. N'Dea Davenport gave one of the best vocal performances that year in a song that is as uplifting as it is powerful. The instrumentation is incredibly rich with a finish that is dynamite. It also tells a great story. The songs makes you wish that Hollywood would not limit today's musical films to strictly animated films. Simply put, the song is a show stopper.

For fans of 1970s funk that may have not experienced the Heavies before, their sound is a blend of the Average White Band and Tower of People with a softer side, somewhat reminiscent of groups like Loose Ends ("Stay a Little While, Child") and Seawind ("What Cha Doin'"). Definitely, a combination that separates them from the pack.

First and foremost, a great band, the Heavies kick some serious butt on the instrumental front. "Ten Ton Take," "Snake Hips" and a jam session entitled "Los Burritos" are all solid. The predominantly instrumental "Have a Good Time," has a solid groove as well. Also check out the tail end of "People Giving Love." In the latter track they slip a segue at the end that is so f-u-n-k-y.

Other stand out tracks are the songs written entirely by band member Jan Kincaid. These are "Back to Love" (where he sings a vocal duet with Davenport), "Keep Together," and "Forever" (which closes the set). N'Dea sings lead on the version of "Keep Together" included on this CD. The remix album includes an identical arrangement of the song, but with Kincaid singing lead in place of N'dea. For Heavies fans, it is definitely worth checking out.

Their signature retro-1970s vibe is in full effect with "Spend Some Time" and "Day Break." "Mind Trips" is highlighted by a nice vocal arrangement. "Fake," while okay, reminds one too much of the Alexander O'Neal track of same name. The reggae-fied "People Giving Love," except for the aforementioned segue at the end, is a bit bland.

In short, while not as fresh and funky as their self-titled album, BROTHER SISTER is still miles above the pack. If you like the Heavies, this CD should definitely be on your CD rack. For others, it also deserves a listen. The title track alone is worth the price of the CD -- it's that good.

This CD is why the Brand New Heavies are my favorite group. Their funky style and N'Dea Davenport's soulful voice are a perfect combination. And the songs will make you want to get up and shake your groove thang!

Arguably The Brand New Heavies' best album, Brother Sister find them at their peak, artfully blending their early acid jazz experiments with equal parts funk and soul. With the vocals of N'Dea Davenport at their disposal, they were able to create crossover hits such as "Back to Love" and "Dream On Dreamer." But they were equally adept at simply throwing out the jam on "Fake" or doing mellow downtempo on "Mind Trips." There are few lackluster tracks as well, but those are more than compensated by the stellar title track. "Brother Sister" is an absolute gem, a meaningful and emotional track that means what it says and says what it means. It's a powerful track and one that elevates this album high above the others.

I still love this album 12 yrs after the fact!

This album is like watching one of those great

Scorsese pictures that have been out for yrs

but every time you see it, you see something that

you never saw before!(In this case, hear!)

N'Dea and the boyz were kickin' azz

and takin' names on this one from the begining to end!

This is just a masterpiece and dare I say,

a template to which the whole neo-soul movement

was built from! (*This one and Me'shell N'Degeocello's

1993 debut "Plantation Lullabies"!!)

The highlights**

"Have A Good Time" (Retro Trunk-Funk!)

"Brother Sister" (Slick Jazzy Funk w/ a message!)

"Dream On Dreamer" (Groovy , Airy & Uplifting!)

"Mind Trips" (Syncopated Funk Perfection!)

"Keep Together" (Just A Nice Feel & I like the message!)

"Forever" (Lush & Funky!)

"Daybreak" ( Universal Message and Upbeat Groove!)

I could just see D'Angelo, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Zhane,

The Roots, Floetry and Musiq all sitting around and

listening to this in the early 90's and

saying "This is the way to go!"

Buy It!--You can't lose!