The Brand New Heavies Album: “Shelter”

I was crushed when I first heard that N'Dea Davenport wasn't going to be with the BNH anymore. So when I heard that Siedah Garrett was going to be the new lead, I refused to buy or listen to "Shelter" when it came out. Six years later, I reconsidered (mostly because I realized that N'Dea LEFT the band to pursue her own career not because she was kicked out). I'm also a big fan. Anyway - I listened to the CD and absolutely loved it! The CD has a fresh sound even now (though it was produced in '97). I even have to give Siedah some props; she does a great job. The music is definitely different from some of their other albums (but probably closer to "Brother Sister"). It's polished and some songs were intended for pop radio. I'm glad I went ahead and gave this CD a chance. It's really good. Songs that stand out: "Shelter," "Gotta Do Right," and "Day by Day."

This record is unbelievable ! It's truly any serious music lover's wonder why this band wasn't one of the biggest hits of the 90s. On top of being a first-class acid-jazz/new-soul/neo-funk/whatever-you-may-call-it band (leading the way in that style alongside other British-based band Incognito), the Brand New Heavies got a brand-new vocalist on that album who added a whole new dimension to their music.

Siedah Garrett was no newcomer though, having been a background singer for Michael Jackson for years (she also wrote "Man In The Mirror" and sang the famous duet "I Just Can't Stand Lovin' You" with him on the album "Bad"). She had a try at solo recordings under the auspices of her mentor Quincy Jones (with the great single "Refuse To Be Loose" and a debut album going completely unnoticed) and was one of the major protagonists of Q's "Back On The Block" album, singing side-by-side with Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughan and the likes, and even a duet with Chaka Khan !

On "Shelter", Siedah adds her inspired and soulful raspy singing which fits the band like a glove (I much prefer her contribution to that of N'Dea before her), making this album my favorite by the band. Sadly, Siedah departed after this one project with the Heavies, being now replaced by able Carleen Anderson from Young Disciples fame (and two superb solo albums in-between). What is Siedah up to nowadays? I really don't know.

Well, just in case I convinced you to buy this CD... DON'T !!! This is the re-release of the original edition, which didn't contain "You've Got A Friend" as a bonus (included in the European edition). So my advice is for you to look for a copy of that now-unavailable edition (the one with the white cover) and make the most of that fantastic album !

It's surprising this band isn't more popular outside the UK. I absolutely love this album. There's no way to pigeon-hole their music but that's OK because every track in this album is marvellous, even the remake of "You've Got a Friend". It's filled with hit material like the title track, "Sometimes", "You Are The Universe", "Day by Day", "Highest High", "Stay Gone"...the list goes on. It grooves, it jives, it's slick and Siedah Garrett lends a good dose of R&B that mainstream fans will welcome (she's since been replaced by lesser-known British vocalist Carleen Andersen who is even better suited to their music - check out their Greatest Hits album). Highly recommended.

Even though frontwoman N'Dea Davenport is missing, Siedah Garrett surprisingly pulls the album together with her own brand of personality and delivery. Garrett's more booming voice lacks the urgency and yearning that Davenport's liquid smooth vocals imparted, but it does add a different dimension to the Heavies' sound. The Brand New Heavies still know how to churn out thick grooves laden with lots of funk and soul, and though I was resistant to the idea of a Heavies album without N'Dea, I warmed up to this new direction after a few listens. Great album to listen to, but make sure you check out the earlier material too.

I have owned this disc for 2 1/2 years now and it is definitely one of the 10 best discs in my collection. The music always picks me up, puts me in a good mood and makes me want to go dancing. It still sounds fresh, even after several hundred times through. In addition, the lyrics are intelligent and inspiring without sounding hokey. A must own-- I am rebuying it, full price, since my first is now damaged. How many discs can you say you would rebuy???