Brand New Day

Description

Brand New Day is the sole full-length album by the British jazz/fusion combo Beehive (formerly known as Funky Beehive), released on Airplay Records in 1997, distributed in the Christian market place by Word Music. The album was recorded at Beehive Studios in London, England, starting out in June 1996. Mixed at Livingston Studios by Mark Chamberlain (tracks 1,3,4,7,9) and Simon Burwell (tracks 2,5,6,8,10).

Featuring Kaz Lewis on vocals, Rob May on keyboards, Guy Houchen on guitar and vocals, Paul Lancaster on bass and vocals, and John Graham on drums and percussion, with Terl Bryant providing percussion as well. Turntables provided by DJ Diamond Sire. The band is augmented by the punchy funk horns of the Living Horns; Ben Castle on saxophone, Raul D’Oliveira on flugelhorn and trumpet, and Mike Innes on trombone.

They may no longer be funky in name but they still are in nature. Mixing together generous clashes of funk, soul, jazz and R&B, Beehive’s newie is wonderfully impossible to pigeon hole musically. Breaking out of mere acid jazz, this album finds the band in such fresh form they’re in danger of being arrested by the funk police on suspicion of blissing out listeners with their breathtaking vibes. Highlights? From the up tempo opening «Fools Wisdom» which sets the scene through to the closing «Answer To Prayer», there isn’t a duff track! Everything’s a highlight! The Prince-like funk of «Get Busy» gels me going every listen and «Your Love For Me» is a tight, infectious, insistent piece driven like many of the songs here by Paul Lancaster’s excellent bass playing. In Kaz Lewis they have a soul diva who pours passion into every line. Musical comparisons are always Hawed but the retro ’70s jazz funk sounds are reminiscent of Seawind (remember them?) whilst those with more current musical tastes may hear a hint of Jamiroquai in the stylistic brew. Beehive have created an album which is destined to establish them as one of Britain’s most talented Christian bands and if there is any justice, this release has the chops to do it in the mainstream too. Pray for them that God flings wide the doors. Then buy and enjoy! Awesome! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, June 1997]

CD tracklist:

01. Fool’s Wisdom
02. Brand New Day
03. No-One Knows
04. Hype
05. Can’t Stop The Rain
06. Your Love For Me
07. Turn It Around
08. Presence Of Your Love
09. Get Busy
10. Answer To Your Prayer

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Airplay Records.