Incognito

For over 30 years Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunick and Incognito have been creating their unique brand of jazz-funk and big band. And live it all comes together. A recent show at the Jazz Café highlighted everything that makes them so special. A 13 piece band, an electric atmosphere and a mastery of their songs, it was a perfect celebration of their 30 years of music making. The set was a perfect blend of soul and jazz, funk and fusion with tracks spanning from classic early tracks, funk and soul instrumentals as well as some choice cuts off latest album Surreal. The grooves, the driving rhythms and the smooth vocals are enough to put wide smiles on everyone in the audience. But most of all it’s the infectious energy of the band which spreads through the venue, especially with numbers like Always There, Everyday and N.O.T. as well as Motown standards like Don't You Worry ‘Bout a Thing which showcase that these are some of the strongest vocalists they’ve had on stage. The fact that after thirty years Bluey can inspire such freshness is remarkable. This is the band at the peak of their powers, loving every second of it and the virtuoso solo numbers are mindblowing and take each song in the stratosphere. You’ll even get to hear some of Bluey’s stories which are worth the admission fee alone.

The album Jazz Funk is one of nostalgia for me. It was a favourite album when I was growing up, and since its release, I followed Incognito’s acid jazz career closely. Hearing jazz music performed live is, I believe, one of the best showcases of musical talent. The long notes blasted out of the saxophone demonstrating the control and capacity of the players capacity, along with the extended piano chords forms a magical fusion of music for the audience to listen to.
Although the band members have come and gone over the years, their sound has stayed true to its origins, and with each new member, the sound only matures and evolves excitingly. They opened the show with the title track from the 2002 album Who Needs Love, before journeying through some of their newer material. They played Amplified Soul, the 2014 album, in its entirety, and it was really special to be some of the first people to hear it performed live.
The band took it in turns performing improvised instrumental solos throughout the their set, and showcased their talent beyond anything you can experience listening to a recording.

I had a fantastic time at the Birchmere with Incognito. The last time I was at this venue was the last time Incognito was there which was 2006. They, as always, put on a Stellar performance. Always generating the most positive energy in their shows. This group is like fine wine: the more I hear them, the better they sound. Maysa with "Deep Water" - OMG. I have no words for what I heard on the Monday show. I love hearing it from the richness of her voice. Let's not forget Imaani and Joy Rose. Two incredible singers with power in their voices. I love how Bluey ends the show reminding us that we are "One Nation Under A Grove". I love going to their shows because it doesn't matter who you are, what your color, religion, creed or economic status. We were there on One accord: and that was to hear some beautiful music, voices, sound and enjoy each other. I hope to see them in Europe one day.

Voodoo rooms (Edinburgh)18TH NOV 2016
Yet again another fine performance by Bluey & the band and although the set was only 13 songs long (2 shows) on the night, it was a good selection of both old and new tunes. If you get to see them at a bigger venue then you can expect almost twice the amount of songs for pretty much the same price so its well worth keeping an eye on there 2017 tour dates.As for the voodoo rooms i loved em, small only 200 capacity but pleasant helpful staff and a location close to Waverley station means i for one will be jumping on a train from London and heading back north to this little gem of a venue in the future.

I had tickets for both New Year's shows at Ronnie Scott's. Excellent seating with a nice japanese girl beside me. Felt like we were the only two single's there.
The band is as good as always, but I had expected more than just 75 minutes and 13 songs (well, the second show had a few more songs and was a little bit longer). The singers were great, but I had been hoping to have Tony Momrelle there.
Nice to get complimentary wardrobe and late show champagne, especially since the tickets were expensive.
Now I look forward to Incognito's 40 year celebration next year, 2019!!!
Then I will come over from Stockholm, Sweden.

Concert was organized in rather intimate atmosphere, and I really have to say it was real enjoyment being there and listening Incognito. They have performed all the songs planned for the tour, and there was extra concert organized for day after since there were many who wanted to hear them again. Incognito is always welcomed in Serbia, and I really, really would not mind having them every week. Theirs performance was extraordinary, they make excellent atmosphere, people are singing together with them!

Am a Big Incognito Fan I Been following Incognito since 1980 Anybody In Jazz Funk Bluey Was The Main Man when He Was With light of the world So Yes I Enjoy Myself Last Night incognito pure class Am From That generation I was bought up following Frankie Beverly and maze Luther Vandross George Benson Stevie Wonder brass construction just to name a few so Last Night Took Me Back Down memory lane So I Hope This review was helpful Regard Clive King

Incognito performed last night at Le Gru festival, Torino and they were awesome as usual. The band has a very tight sound and played so many songs, to include new material by Citrus Sun which is a band Bluey formed with some members of Incognito. Their sound and light system was amazing. The outdoor concert ended short at 90 minutes with torrential thunderstorms; otherwise they would have played the full 2 hours. Unbelievable show in a world class setting.

This was my 3rd Incognito concert over the past few years and probably the most disappointing. From the late removal of Omar from the bill to a slew of covers which, while brilliantly performed, were hardly the reason one goes to see a particular band. Incognito remain a great live band but this was underwhelming considering what was advertised when buying the tickets!

Excellent show as always!!!! High rhythmic acid jazz energy and informative humorous at times, conversation. Bluey is a great songwriter and instrumentalist. The band and singers hugely talented, although we missed the rich scatting and interpretations of Maysa, still memorable and enjoyable. Thank you for the great location!! Come Back Again Incognito!!!