Eleven by Incognito

06 Jan

Written by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
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Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick - founder, and the other members of Incognito have been leading figures in the U.K.’s club scene since the early 1980’s and since then have won over the U.S. audience with their contemporary take on acid jazz. Their latest work entitled, Eleven is undiluted jazz funk at its best! Their roots are based in deep soul fusion. Bluey grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Santana, Earth Wind & Fire, and Kool & the Gang. These influences are weaved into every song on Eleven. The entire album is reminiscent of the 1970’s disco era. Incognito is the epitome of authentic music!

The opening track, "Let The Mystery Be" starts with synthesizers, and moves into a lively and upbeat tempo with a sparkling trumpet solo and background vocals. "We Got Music" is another lively track, with an effervescent horn section and spicy vocals. The third track, "Come Away With Me", is my personal favorite. It has an infectious chorus, and tempo that makes you want to rejoice in life! "Baby It’s Alright" and "When Tomorrow Brings You Down" all have a strong message of living life to the fullest. If you are like me, you revel in music that is uplifting and positive for the soul. The mood changes when the sixth track "Jacaranda" plays. The tempo is slower but is still zesty. The album ensues with "Show Me Love," "Will I Ever Learn?" and "I’ll Get By." The mood changes again as the last two tracks, "It’s Just One Of Those Things" and "As Long As It’s You" play. The album ends and you feel rejuvenated. The album has a live feel to it, which is something that Incognito is renowned for. If you are looking for something to listen to that is new and out of the ordinary then, "Eleven" is worthy of your attention!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Incognito
CD Title: Eleven
Genre: Acid Jazz
Year Released: 2006
Record Label: Narada Jazz
Tracks: Let The Mystery Be, We Got Music, Come Away With Me, Baby It’s Alright, When Tomorrow Brings You Down, Jacaranda, Show Me Love, Will I ever Learn?, I’ll Get By, It’s Just One Of Those Things, As Long as It’s You
Musicians: Matt Cooper (Fender Rhodes, piano, keyboards, drums, bass, and percussion), Ski Oakenfull (synthesizers, drums, keyboards, and percussion programming), Richard Bailey(drums), Bosco De Oliveira (percussion), Francis Hylton(bass and fender Rhodes), Tony Remy (guitar and vocoder), Bluey (guitar, acoustic guitar, and vocals), Dominic Glover (flugel horn and trumpet), Nichol Thomson(trombone), Jim Hunt (tenor saxophone), Gail Evans(vocals), Imaani (vocals), Tony Mamrelle (vocals), Andy Ross (tenor saxophone), Maysa (lead vocals), Tom Rees-Roberts(trumpet), Trevor Mires(trombone), Ed Jones (tenor saxophone), Graham Harvey (Fender Rhodes, piano), Tyrone Henry (vocals), Carleen Anderson (vocals), Shawn Lee (drums)
Label Website: http://www.naradajazz.com
Rating: Five Stars