Trunk Funk Classics: 1991-2000
BeforeMaceo  Parkerplayed withDe La Soul, beforeDr. Dresampled the  entireP-Funkcatalog, even before flares came back in style,  London's the Brand New Heavies were spreading funk's gospel to a whole new generation of listeners. Formed in 1985 byJames Brown-worshipers Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew, and Andrew Levy (vocalistN'dea Davenportjoined in 1990), the band emerged from London's acid jazz scene in the early '90s  with a sound folks had been jonesin' for. It wasn't quiteBootsyorSly, but the Heavies' sexy, raw, and uplifting blend of sweaty '60s funk and  smoothed-out '70s soul made booties shake harder than they had in years. Their early material has aged well; cuts off 1992's hip-hop-infusedHeavy Rhyme Experience: Vol. 1(especially "Soul Flower," which features  hip-hop'sPharcydeat its finest) gush with exuberance, as do the four cuts fromBrother Sister, perhaps the band's strongest album. Unfortunately, things haven't been quite the same since Davenport left the band in 1995  (replaced by Siedah Garrett until '98, then by current vocalist Carleen  Anderson). But the comp's only new track, a reworking ofMarvin Gaye's "Saturday Nite" that features rapperMos Def, offers up a  superfine bounce that'll definitely leave you grooving. They've still got it  goin' on.--Sylvia W. Chan