Brand New Heavies, Manchester Academy

I have never heard of The Milk but they are a great discovery. The 4 piece musically remind me of Maroon 5. Their brand of soulful pop deserves to be heard by many. With tracks such as Don't Give Up The Night and Deliver Me they deserve to be a success.

The Brand New Heavies were part of the soul jazz movement in the early 90's that spawned acts like Jamiroquai.

The act are still going strong with original members Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy. The band has had many guest vocalists over the years but now they have a Yorkshire born singer - Sulene Fleming. She has the voice, confidence and talent to make the songs come alive.

Apparently Fleming is from Bradford, she is a superb asset to the band.

Sometimes sounds brilliant when she sings the track, whilst Dream on Dreamer is as good as it was back in the day.

Back in the early 90's the band were a favourite with Pete Tong on his Friday night dance show. Many of those in the audience tonight probably listened to the show and discovered the band here.

Simon Bartholomew is as flamboyant as ever, whilst Andrew Levy supplies some wicked bass lines. The band were helped with a 2 piece brass section which helped enormously.

Stay This Way Forever and You Are The Universe were classics that were saved until the end of a night that proved that The Brand New Heavies are still as soulful as ever in 2017.