The Brand New Heavies Thursday, October 31st Apollo Theater Written by Bob Bland Photographed by Wayne Huang (Opposite: Amel Larrieux Opens for the Heavies)

The Apollo New Legends Series had a stellar line up this fall: Aretha Franklin; The Temptations (December 5th); Ruben Stoddard (November 4th):and The Brand New Heavies (October 31st).

N'Dea Davenport of the Brand New Heavies rocks the Apollo

The Brand New Heavies are back, and they want you to know about it. Based out of London, this bass-heavy funk explosion is best know for leading the "acid jazz" movement of the early '90's. Recent years have not been so kind to the Heavies, as the ensemble cycled through multiple lead singers (and sounds) before reuniting with their original chanteuse, N’dea Davenport, for their latest album, "Get Used to It". An exuberant performance on Halloween night at the Apollo Theatre was their second appearance in NYC in support of their new revitalized sound.

At the Apollo, music-lovers escewed other Halloween festivities for the groove-laden sound of the Heavies, who played hits from their new album, as well as fan favorites of the past. From the reggae-infused title track, "Get Used to It" to the disco-floor rush of the self-referential "Let's Do It Again," Davenport was at the top of her game, proving to fans new and old that for the Brand New Heavies, nothing is better than the original.

The very talented and hot Amel Larrieux opened for the Heavies.

Simon Bartholomew, N'Dea Davenport and Andrew Levy
Of the Brand New Heavies

Amel Larrieux

The Apollo Theater is located in Harlem at 253 West 125 Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (7th Ave.) and Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave.). For more information about shows at the Apollo, log onto: www.apollotheater.com.