More Tales Remixed - Incognito

Hundreds of singers and musicians have had the opportunity to serve in the veteran jazz funk unit Incognito for almost three decades.  That attribute definitely classifies as one big happy family.  One might think though that with constant changes in personnel for one established group in such a long period, an identity crisis could emanate.  But that has never entered the mind of band founder Jean Paul Maunick AKA Bluey when he and musical friend Paul Tubbs Williams began their vision - Light of the World - in the seventies.   LOTW attained success in the U.K. with three discs up until the final name change to Incognito. 

Since their initial release - Jazz Funk - in 1982, Incognito was one of several extremely popular acid jazz bands along with The Brand New Heavies and The James Taylor Quartet.  Their vibe was fueled by their predecessors Roy Ayers, Willie Bobo, and Donald Byrd & The Blackbyrds, amongst others, who added funk and dance grooves to their jazz phrasing.  The acid jazz era flourished in the U.K. in the eighties and has built a steady following since, including Incognito’s ability to reshape classic soul with many elements, especially their acoustic interpretations of past hits on 2006’s Bees + Flowers + Things.  And what a happy family it has been, as many former members have carved respectable careers of their own including jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, R&B vocalist Jocelyn Brown, and Afro-Cuban percussionist/DJ Snowboy. 

The DJ’s are also raving about their strong vocals and their spirited approach no matter what the tempo or texture - period.  Their latest, More Tales Remixed, a rethinking of their previous disc, Tales From The Beach, is the sixth remix undertaking for the band.  In fact, remix producing experts like Masters at Work and David Morales have touched up Incognito hits like “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” and “Love Needs Love.”

When crafting a remix project, what catches my ear is the enhancement of the original version while maintaining the overall integrity.  On More Tales, the internationally known DJ/producers chosen here excel for the most part.  To name a few examples; “Step Aside” resurrects the contemporary jazz vibe from their air apparent and dropping hints of a Soul Train favorite - the O’Jays’ “I Love Music” - all brought to you by Dimitri from Paris and DJ Meme from Brazil.  New York-based Tortured Soul’s contribution - “Love & Understanding” - successfully meshes techno and house.  Cool as a cucumber vocals and Latin beats anchor Australian producer/keyboardist Simon Grey’s angle (one of two mixes) on ”Freedom to Love,” remembering Light of the World’s heyday.  Choosing from the two mixes of ”Happy People,” the edge goes to a stylish tribal mix by Germany’s Christian Prommer.  There is also room for a few down-tempo jams; one being “I Come Alive” serving a few delectable turntable tricks and full orchestration by DJ Day.

Proving Incognito can flex their remix muscles:  Bass guitarist Francis Hylton’s Black Moses Rework pays homage to Phillip Bailey’s bar-none falsetto and Isaac Hayes hot-buttered soul for “I Remember A Time.”  Then keyboardist Matt Cooper, under the guise Outside, closes out with “Tales From The Beach,” switching between ambient woodwinds and scratching guitars; bridging them both with seamless beats. 

Whether recording remixes like More Tales or original material, Incognito has cemented their place in the next generation of jazz and soul, reminiscent of Ayers, Bobo, and Byrd.  And the Incognito family, whatever supporting players, alumni, and others who join their soulful jams, will continue to grow in harmonious bliss along the way.

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene