Posts Tagged ‘ Incognito ’

Incognito – Into You

a2743987056_16-1The formation Incognito initiated by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is an ever-changing conglomerate of highly talented musicians who have been instrumental in shaping the content of the term acid jazz.

This website has tried to approach the phenomenon of his personality through record reviews, interview, essays and concert reports. I myself had only the opportunity for a short conversation with Bluey on the occasion of a concert in Cologne, but have been one of his admirers for many years.

So it’s a pleasure to welcome Into You, a new album released this month on the Shanachie Entertainment label. The massive scale of such a project can easily be seen in the credits. The comprehensive album kicks off with Keep Me in the Dark and features vocalist Natalie Duncan. Natalie Alexis Duncan is a British soul musician from Nottingham, England. The piece is characterized by a brilliant horn section and a virtuoso piano solo by Chicco Allotta.

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2023
10/26
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
CD Reviews
R&B
Smooth Jazz
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Incognito – Into You

a2743987056_16Shanachie Entertainment is thrilled to be releasing new music from the pioneering, ground-breaking band Incognito, led by UK groove-master Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick on October 20, 2023. The creative force behind Incognito, the preeminent funk/jazz/soul/dance outfit in the world, Bluey, pioneered the ‘acid jazz’ movement and laid down the blueprint for the neo-soul scene to follow. Incognito managed to craft a distinctive sound and groove all their own. Their captivating melodies and stories endeared them to fans across the globe. 

A time when drum machines and sampling dominated the airwaves, Bluey and Incognito reminded us of the sheer beauty of the human soul and instrumental virtuosity. They scored hits with versions of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” and Ronnie Laws’ “Always There,” selling more than a million records in the process! The great writer James Baldwin eloquently noted that the role of the artist is to “illuminate darkness and blaze roads” so that the artist will not “lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place.”

As Bluey and Incognito mark their 44th Anniversary this year, there is no doubt they have helped to uplift our human condition. Bluey, who has collaborated with a who’s who list in music including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Leon Ware, states, “I have always made music that reflects my journey and influences. I am pleased to be releasing yet another Incognito album for Shanachie. I’ve had a smile on my face throughout this writing and recording process of Into You! Musically and creatively, it’s been a joyful journey.” Continue reading →

2023
10/08
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Incognito – Into You

a2743987056_16Incognito, with their unique contemporary jazz-funk sound, have consistently enthralled audiences worldwide. Their distinct fusion of jazz, funk, soul, and dance music has propelled them to the forefront of the music industry for over four decades. With numerous chart-topping singles and albums under their belt, they have established an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality and melodious compositions.

‘Back on the Beach’ is a captivating composition that pays homage to Incognito’s signature sound while offering a refreshing and contemporary vibe. The track showcases their exceptional musicianship, tight harmonies, and captivating lyrics that transports listeners to a place of pure bliss by the ocean. It is a perfect summer anthem that will undoubtedly resonate with fans and attract new listeners to the band’s incredible repertoire. Listen to it on bandcamp

Their new album will be released October 20, 2023 on Shanachie Entertainment. More information and a review will be posted next month.

2023
09/26
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Incognito – Always There 1981-2021 (40 Years & Still Groovin’)

0602438257065To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Incognito releasing their debut record, the Brit Funk pioneers are releasing an anniversary 8CD, 106 tracks retrospective CD set cased in a rigid box with individual card inner sleeves and a 52 page booklet with sleeve notes written by Charles Waring and photos from the band’s archive.

CDs 1-5 have been curated by the bands founder and driving force Bluey aka Jean-Paul Maunick with CD two and four containing previously unreleased* tracks. CD six is a rare Japanese-only live album recorded in 1996 while CDs seven and eight have been compiled by the bands long time supporter who released seven of their albums through his own record label Talkin’ Loud – DJ and Acid House pioneer Gilles Peterson. The 52 page booklet features a 10,000 word sleeve note written by Charles Waring and based on a recent interview with Bluey.

Order your copy here today:  https://UMC.lnk.to/Incognito40Years
2021
11/19
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
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Incognito – Tomorrow’s New Dream

British acid jazz band Incognito release their new album Tomorrow’s New Dream on November 8th 2019, and have announced a huge homecoming London show at Indigo at The O2 on December 4th 2019, marking an incredible 40 years since their formation.

An enduring relationship with music has seen Jean-Paul (Bluey) Maunick lead his band Incognito to their 40th Anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, Bluey has recorded a brand-new album of songs and instrumentals with the hallmark Incognito sounds both familiar and fresh, encompassing acid jazz, soul, funk, and neo-soul.

This album offers a rich sonic journey at every turn that features special guests Maysa, Phil Perry, Take 6, Mario Biondi and many others, collaborating with band members past and present, along with the talented new ’Cogs’. It’s a record of brand-new, original tracks that would feel right at home featuring on any of their most enduring, classic releases from the past. Continue reading →

2019
10/08
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
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Citrus Sun – Ride Like The Wind

The London band was born out of Bluey’s love for the music of Jim Mullin, who now, after the debut album People of Tomorrow, is part of the band again. He is assisted by Incognito colleagues Matt Cooper on keyboard, bassist Francis Hylton, guitarist Francisco Salas, drummer Francesco Mendolia and trumpeter Dominic Glover.

Although the constellation of musicians is very similar to that of Incognito, the music still differs. Citrus Sun is mainly purely instrumental like the songs “Refugee” and “Calling Mr Wolf”. In addition, the band ventures into new areas, such as with their five-part Krabi Suite (Recorded in Krabi, Thailand) or with the cover song by Marcos Valle and Leon Wares “Vondate de Rever Voce”, in which the percussionist of the band Joao Caetano takes over the singing in Portuguese. Furthermore, the artists Imaani and Natalie Williams were invited to perform for the songs “Ride Like The Wind” (the worldwide Christopher Cross hit) and “Send Me Your Feelings” (originally recorded by the New York-based Japanese jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino).

Bluey himself comments on his project: “In terms of sound, it is a bit reduced by the trumpet reminiscent of Donald Byrd. It’s the same cast as Incognito, but you should be glad that it’s a new project with the same band with me at the top. ”

Get Ride Like The Wind at Amazon.de.

2018
05/25
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
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Incognito – In Search Of Better Days

InSOBDThe attainment of happiness is well anchored in all human beings. Happiness can be understood as the moral goal of life, as an aspect of chance or as unquenchable thirst. This pursuit of happiness is also the fundamental mood of Incognito‘s new album In Search of Better Days.

The presence with its manifold problems gives us plenty of opportunity to develop this desire. Music seems to be a proven escapement capability from this dilemma. But music should not be overloaded with more ideology.

Bluey’s 17th studio album features his crew: Singers Imaani, Vanessa Haynes, Tony Momrelle, Katie Leone, Vula Malinga and of course Maysa, pianist Avery Sunshine, drummer Richard Spaven, percussionist Jody Linscott, and Japanese guitar legend Tomoyasu Hotei of Kill Bill fame. It’s the sound of London, acid jazz as only Bluey can create.

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2016
06/16
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
CD Reviews
Soul
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Incognito – In Search of Better Days

InSOBDYou would think that a 37-year-old band would rest on its laurels…right? No, not Incognito! The band is as creative and full of fire as it was at its conception in 1979. A rare feat in these days and times.

Their 17th studio album, In Search of Better Days, will have Incognito fans grinning ear to ear and will be released on June 24th, 2016 on earMUSIC (Europe) and Shanachie Entertainment (US). The fresh, uncompromising, soulful, Jazz-Funk-laden songs and instrumentals that are the bones of Incognito continue to shine through . . . and there is more. The sound of Bluey’s London for over three and a half decades weaves its way throughout this album and gives it flesh, with splashes of Drum & Bass and Broken Beats, Rare Groove, Deep Soulful House, and even influences from the Rock and Blues that were at the heart of the UK scene in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

From the driving bass of featured guest Stuart Zender on the opening track, you know that this album is upping the ante and it’s going to be one hell of a good ride! Imaani, Vanessa Haynes, Tony Momrelle, Katie Leone, Vula Malinga — the UK’s finest and most soulful voices hit you relentlessly one after the other with songs that will remain with you from the first hearing. And as if that was not enough to make this one of Incognito’s best albums, in comes American chanteuse extraordinaire aka “the voice of Incognito” — Maysa, to seal the deal! Continue reading →

2016
05/27
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
Smooth Jazz
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Incognito – Amplified Soul

I’m a big fan of Incognito. You are too right? So you know that this CD, the band’s 16th studio album celebrates the band’s 35th anniversary. Who imagined that as they held their vinyl copy of “Jazz Funk” in their hands?

So come on, let’s see how things sound in 2014… ‘Amplify my Soul (Part 1)’ is a pleading vocal intro which sets the tone for the rest of the album and that tone is emotion – it’s a technically outstanding record but it’s about moods and feelings, as Incognito records (thank God) usually are.

‘I Couldn’t Love You More’ is a mid-tempo, horn-laden vocal which is a pure delight and Bluey’s guitar solo is an exercise in good taste. ‘Rapture’ treads that same path of great lyric and strong female vocal draped over that bubbly, uplifting rhythm section. If you’re feeling good now, another strong female vocal (with a serious dose of attitude) will make you feel even better on the anthemic ‘Hands Up if You Wanna be Loved’. I have tickets to see Incognito in July 2014 and please, please, let them play this.

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2014
06/05
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
CD Reviews
Chris Mann
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Incognito – Amplified Soul

ASAmplified Soul, the 16th studio album from Incognito, consists of 16 new recordings soaked in soul, coated in jazz with more than a twist of funk and dance. Or as Bluey puts it: “This is a labour of love, a gift to those who have supported us over the years”.

Recorded and mixed at the legendary Livingston Studio in North London where The Buena Vista Social Club‘s eponymous multi-million selling first album was mixed and also Björk‘s 1993 debut album recorded and mixed, this album features singers Tony Momrelle, Vanessa Haynes and new addition Katie Leone who provide some of the best vocal performances ever recorded by the band. They are joined by legendary singer songwriter Carleen Anderson and Connecticut born funkstress Deborah Bond and the return one of the Incognito fans favourite Imaani, with the addition of a totally fresh voice on the scene in the form of the soulful 22 year old Australian debutant Chiara Hunter.

Guitarist, main producer and band leader Bluey once again leads his tight rhythm section of Francis Hylton on bass, Matt Cooper on keyboards, Francesco Mendolia on drums and the young percussion sensation Joao Caetano to create a bed of soulful funky irresistible grooves that are punctuated by the trademark Incognito horns. At times on this album the band navigates towards a darker sound than on their previous works offering the listener a new adventure with wonderfully crafted songs wrapped in warm tones. At other times they just get joyously funky!

There are guest performances by original Jamiroquai drummer Nick Van Gelder on two cuts, the awesome alto saxophonist Nigel Hitchcock, synthesizer wizard Ski Oakenfull, Elements Of Life percussionist Roberto Quintero, and Incognito regular contributor Richard Bull and many more. From the plaintive opening number “Amplify My Soul” you get echoes of a classic era that could be easily associated with Marvin Gaye or Stevie’s offerings from the 70’s, to the bubbly, bouncy, catchy number that is immediate and infectious “Hats (Make Me Wanna Holler)”, the album unites all of Incognito’s best character traits. If ever Incognito had a festival crowd anthem, then “Hands Up If You Wanna Be Loved” is it!

For pre-order available at Amazon.

2014
04/20
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
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