Incognitoâs âSurrealâ is one of the bandâs freshest, most creative albums and sees the addition to their line-up of two outstanding new vocalists in Natalie Williams, UK jazz scene luminary, and 26-year-old German-born singer-songwriter Mo Brandis.
Incognito founder Jean-Paul âBlueyâ Maunick originally wrote more than 30 songs for the project and whittled them down to the 14 selected for the finished album, which also includes vocal contributions from Maysa – described by Bluey as âmy awesome musical museâ – and Vanessa Haynes.
The formula is beautiful songs over a bed of fluid bass lines and irresistible drum grooves, and the album reflects the energy of the bandâs live shows, while adding a raw edge to their customary slick studio production.
Mo Brandis, born in Hamburg but brought up in Swaziland, began singing with Incognito on their live dates last summer. An accomplished pianist and sax player, he has already enjoyed success as a songwriter, responsible for a No 2 hit and Gold album in Germany last year. Mo sings and co-wrote the first single âGoodbye To Yesterdayâ, as well as the equally hooky âDonât Wanna Knowâ. Bluey enthuses: âIf thereâs a young vocalist who can deliver on both sides as a modern R&B singer and a soulful old school crooner, itâs Moâ
Bluey is equally enthusiastic about the qualities that Natalie Williams – one of the most in-demand jazz-soul vocalists in London – brings to the band. âI first became aware of her when we played Ronnie Scottâs club and she was the singer with the house band – I thought she was amazing and began a pressure group to persuade this super busy bee to join us, which she finally relented to, with help from our keyboard player Matt Cooperâ.
Natalie contributes the soulful âAbove The Nightâ and the sparse Seventies-style bossa nova âThe Stars From Hereâ as well as âRestless As We Areâ. Vocal powerhouse Vanessa Haynes, who joined Incognito two years ago, is in blistering Loleatta Holloway-esque form on the albumâs one cover song, âAinât It Timeâ, a little-known Seventies disco tune.
The albumâs opener, the funky, bass-driven âThe Less You Knowâ – written by Bluey with the bandâs bass player Francis Hylton – is vocalled by the ever reliable Maysa. The US singer, who first featured with Incognito on their 1992 set âTribes Vibes & Scribesâ, also contributes a beautiful performance on âCapricorn Sunâ, with its bubbling, rhythmic groove, which Bluey âwrote on my guitar after reflecting on a friendâs ongoing battles with his Capricorn partnerâ.
Long-time Incognito fans will be happy that there are two driving instrumentals – âRivers On The Sunâ and âThoughtful Fantasiesâ, the latter continuing Blueyâs passion for Brazilian jazz funk with all horns blazing, and percussion breaks.
The band perform a 10-day US tour beginning March 28, and then begin several months of touring throughout the UK and Europe in support of the new album. They play Londonâs Islington Assembly Hall on May 25.
This years Notting Hill Carnival 2006 takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend of 27th & 28th. If you’ve not experienced it before, it’s one surly not to miss!
Victor Fields returns with his latest album ‘Think Of You’. It’s another Smooth Jazz gem. Featuring covers of Bill Withers ‘Lovely Day’ and The Gap Bands ‘Yearning For You Love’ amongst others the album is a real treat for both Soul & Smooth Jazz lovers alike.
Fresh from winning the latest of her awards for ‘Legend’ at the recent World Music Awards (WMA) held in London. [Didn’t Mary just look a Million Dollar$ in that white outfit]. Mary J. Blige is back with a new album.
Grenada celebrated Independence Day (ID) on the 7th February 2007. Happy 33rd ID to all Grenadians!
One of the most exciting new artists is Joy Denalane. Born to a German Mother and a South African Father her music is a mix of Soul, Reggae, Hip-Hop and African. Her sound is truly unique. It’s not surprising really since her uncle is the legendary Hugh Masekela. Her new album is called Born & Raised out on Nesola Records. It looks set to carry and open up Joy’s fantastic music to an ever increasing fan-base.