Incognito

(UK)

Led by guitarist-producer-songwriter Jean-Paul ”Bluey” Maunick, Incognito has been the main pillar of British jazz-funk and acid jazz for over 30 years now, and enjoys considerable success in the US, too. So far the band has released 15 albums, the latest being the Philly-soulish Surreal (2012).

Born in Mauritus, Maunick moved to London at 10. The first band was Light of The World in the 70’s. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, EWF and British R&B-bands, like Gonzalez and FBI, he started Incognito in 1980. The aptly named debut album Jazz Funk got nice reviews, but larger visibility came in 1990 with a top ten cover of US-flutist Ronnie Laws’ Always There, sung by Jocelyn Brown. Bluey being a fan of DJ-culture, Incognito has been remixed to great effect by Masters At Work, David Morales, Roger Sanchez and Jazzanova. The leader sings only occasionally, so the band has featured several great vocalists, like Carleen Anderson, Maysa Leak and Tony Momrelle. Lately Mo Randis, Imaani and Vanessa Haynes have handled vocal duties. Bluey has also produced Paul Weller, reggae singer Maxi Priest and American jazz stars Terry Callier and George Benson.