Live Review: The Brand New Heavies in Perth 2025
17 of February at the Astor Theatre in Perth, Western Australia.
The Brand New Heavies graced Perth with a funky performance at the Astor Theatre with their signature acid jazz sound. It may be a Monday night, but the venue was filled with local musicians and fans alike – a testament to the technical repertoire of the Acid Jazz band from the UK, and the artistry that resonates with music lovers.
Formed in 1985 in London, the band’s first breakthrough came a decade later in 1994 with the album Brothers Sisters. They are known for pioneering the acid jazz genre, blending elements of jazz, funk, and soul. Since then the band have sold over 2.5 million records.
The night commenced with an intro led by Simon Bartholomew on guitar, and Andrew Levy on bass. The duo’s chemistry signature sound set the tone for a night of a sonically charged night among a hefty presence of talented musicians.
Angela Ricci then took the stage, breathing into the band’s classic “Have a Good Time” and “Dream on Dreamer.” Joining the band in 2018, Ricci brought a youthful spark with her mezzo-soprano vocal range. Her crisp, soulful vocals complement and enhance the band’s established acid jazz flavour. Ricci’s presence introduced a fresh dynamic to the group while maintaining nostalgia.
Despite a school night performance, the audience’s energy was palpable. The crowd sang along to beloved tracks such as “Dream on Dreamer,” “Midnight at the Oasis,” “People Giving Love,” and “Snake Hips.” And as for shaking hips – there were plenty.
The on-stage fun factor was fueled by Simon Bartholomew. He constantly engaged with fans through his facial and physical animation, and the essence of funk, jazz, and soul through his guitar. The guitarist and vocalist outfit was reminiscent of General Zod’s from the 1980 movie Superman II, adding a quirky yet fictional element to his performance. Unlike Zod’s icy demeanor, he radiated the fun factor with the audience.
Bartholomew often wandered across the stage to jam with Andrew Levy on bass, his long-time musical partner since the band’s inception in 1985. Levy’s bass grooves were the pulse of the performance, translating technical brilliance into an addictive movement that rippled through the crowd. The synergy between Bartholomew and Levy highlighted their enduring partnership, blending effortlessly to create the signature sound of the band.
The stage was a vibrant presence of musical talent, featuring nine musicians including back-up vocalists, a drummer, a percussionist, and a brass section comprising trumpet and saxophone players. This ensemble added layers of funk and blues to the band’s signature sound, creating a rich tapestry of rhythm and soul. The brass section elevated the performance, infusing it with the unmistakable essence of acid jazz.
The night ended with “Stay This Way”, “You Are the Universe” and “Dream Come True”, with plenty of self-appointed backup vocalists among the crowd, with one fan bringing her tambourine and joining the jingle with Angela, with the singer encouraging the fan. There were also moments of solos, sparking excitement and encouragement, revealing the individuality of each performer.
After the show, Simon and Angela joined the fans for selfies and conversations.
It was a Monday night and The Astor Theatre was transformed into a time capsule of the late 80s underground UK jazz scene for 90 minutes. The rhythmic grooves and soulful melodies transported the audience back to the mid-80s and 90s. Put simply, The Brand New Heavies’ live performance was a masterclass in music, combining technical brilliance with soulful expression.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank the wonderful Menard PR (Lennard Promotions), TEG Live and The Brand New Heavies for the Media Accreditation
About the Writer: Sheldon Ang, photographer, writer and the founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to over 150 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
