Incognito is noted to be a member of the UK's acid jazz movement, since their incarnation in 1979 the band have travelled worldwide with their funk infused jazz sounds. The band was founded in 1979 by Paul "Tubbs" Williams & Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick. The band centres around composer, record producer, guitarist and singer Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick and has included a vast array of musicians over the years, notably singers such as Jocelyn Brown, Maysa Leak, Tony Momrelle, Imaani and Carleen Anderson have all been a part of or have collaborated with Incognito.
The debut self titled album was released in 1981 and although it failed to chart, the single 'Parisienne Girl' entered the singles chart at #73. The band continued to work on its sound and play live shows, the next album didn't come until ten years later. It charted at #44 on the albums chart and included a hit single 'Always There' featuring Jocelyn Brown which peaked at #6 in the UK and appeared on numerous European charts.
Inter-band disputes were caused during the time between their first two albums over commercial success and artistic credibility. The members who were more commercially focused formed Beggar & Co whilst the musicians who were more interested in preserving the jazz/funk sound stayed with Incognito. The band achieved moderate commercial success themselves without having to dismiss their principles, their 1995 album '100° and Rising' entered the UK chart at #11. They also had a selection of hit singles over the years such as 'Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing' which entered the charts at #19.
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.
yazhow
Inicia sesión en tu cuenta
