Simon Bartholomew Guitarist, Songwriter & Founding Member of The Brand New Heavies A visionary guitarist and cornerstone of the British acid jazz movement, Simon Bartholomew is best known as a co-founder of the iconic band The Brand New Heavies. Born in Surrey, England, Bartholomew's musical journey began with childhood influences spanning Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, and Carlos Santana. A fusion that would later define his genre-blending style. In the late 1980s, alongside bassist Andrew Levy, Bartholomew formed The Brand New Heavies, a band that became synonymous with the acid jazz explosion of the 1990s. Their self-titled debut album (1990) and hits like "Never Stop", "Dream Come True", and "Midnight at the Oasis" propelled them to global acclaim, selling over 3 million albums and earning platinum certifications. Known for their live instrumentation in an era of programmed beats, the band's sound-fueled by Bartholomew's virtuosic guitar work-bridged funk, soul, and hip-hop, even collaborating with rap artists on the groundbreaking Heavy Rhyme Experience album. Beyond the Heavies, Bartholomew has composed for film soundtracks (Juice, The Rebound), pursued side projects like Akimbo and 1ibear, and dedicated himself to music education, teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford. His philosophy? "There is funk in everything if you just take a look and feel for it". In 2025, Bartholomew continues to innovate, blending rock and funk while preparing new releases and touring. His legacy a mix of raw talent, genre-defying creativity, and unwavering dedication to live music makes him a perfect fit for Throwing Records, where authenticity and innovation collide. Key Highlights: - Co-founder of *The Brand New Heavies* (16 Top 40 hits, 3M+ albums sold). - Guitar work praised by Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson. - Composer for film/TV and educator. - Upcoming 2025 tour dates, including Royal Albert Hall.