Get into My Groove - Incognito, Maunick, Jean-Paul
It Ain't Easy - Incognito, Harvey, Graham
Marrakech - Incognito, Harvey, Graham
Fearless - Incognito, Maunick, Jean-Paul
Nights Over Egypt - Incognito, Biggs, Cynthia
Centre of the Sun - Incognito, Harvey, Graham
More of Myself - Incognito, Maunick, Jean-Paul
I Can See the Future - Incognito, Harvey, Graham
Black Rain - Incognito, Harvey, Graham
From the opening bars of "Wild and Peaceful" (almost a description of the group's style) with its soaring strings, crystalline piano, and flawless vocal harmonies, it's apparent that No Time Like the Future is rich with In... more »cognito's patented blend of soul and finesse. "It Ain't Easy," with its refrain of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On," is a classic funk outcry; "Fearless" is a wordless chant with some great rhythm guitar and booting jazz saxophone; "Nights Over Egypt" backs another great vocal with popping bass and orchestral atmospherics; "Black Rain" mixes exotic drumming with some subliminal dissonance. Producer-composer-guitarist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick has added string arrangements by Simon Hale, appearances by the horns of the hot Cuban band Irakere, and the performances of small army of R&B singers (Maysa, especially) and British contemporary jazz players (Ed Jones stands out on tenor and soprano). The result is an irresistible combination of strong songs and pulsing rhythm tracks, all polished to slippery perfection. --Adam Rains« less
From the opening bars of "Wild and Peaceful" (almost a description of the group's style) with its soaring strings, crystalline piano, and flawless vocal harmonies, it's apparent that No Time Like the Future is rich with Incognito's patented blend of soul and finesse. "It Ain't Easy," with its refrain of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On," is a classic funk outcry; "Fearless" is a wordless chant with some great rhythm guitar and booting jazz saxophone; "Nights Over Egypt" backs another great vocal with popping bass and orchestral atmospherics; "Black Rain" mixes exotic drumming with some subliminal dissonance. Producer-composer-guitarist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick has added string arrangements by Simon Hale, appearances by the horns of the hot Cuban band Irakere, and the performances of small army of R&B singers (Maysa, especially) and British contemporary jazz players (Ed Jones stands out on tenor and soprano). The result is an irresistible combination of strong songs and pulsing rhythm tracks, all polished to slippery perfection. --Adam Rains
Incognito - A Band for the Time Capsule of the Future
02/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"IN MODERN MUSIC, NEVER HAS THERE BEEN A BAND LIKE INCOGNITO!! This group is highly UNDERRATED and "No Time Like the Future" is proof positive!! Bluey Maunick has a style, timbre and talent like none I've ever heard and the young people should listen to his music. "Wild and Peaceful" starts this CD out forceful -- I listen to this song 1st thing in the morning on the way to the gym or work to get me in a peaceful mode -- "Marrakesh" conjures up vivid images of my time in Zanzibar, Tanzania, "It Ain't Easy" resonates with every man/woman who has that special someone to call their own and want to make it work! and "Center of the Sun" is a heartfelt love song and Maysa's pipes do it justice like no one else!Born in the last year of the baby-boomers (1965), I spent my entire adolescence AND allowance buying music (45's, LP's, the advent of singles on LPs -- you all feel me out there!!)I have been listening to Maze since I was 12, Marvin Gaye since I can't remember when and all the GOOD groups like the Chi-lites, Heatwave, Isley Brothers, Spinners -- I have been buying Incognito's music since "Inside Life" and no matter who the singers are, Incognito puts together a CD that becomes a collectors' item and one that you'll listen to over and over again -- "No Time Like The Future" is one of Bluey's legacies!30 years from now -- THIS is a CD the new world should hear to gain an understanding of what talent meant in our day."
ABSOLUTE GENIUS
B Sax Man | North Carolina | 11/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I should have written this a long time ago. I'm a huge fan of horn bands. That's what initially drew me into the Incognito circle. Their early albums featured a horn section that wouldn't wait, reminiscent of Tower Of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears and Chicago --- with a decidedly funk base. So I got them all.
When this CD came out, I was expecting more of the same horn-driven funk. And what I got was a spiritual experience unlike any other Incognito release up to this point. The horns are there, just more subdued and situated in appropriate slots, but with the emphasis on Bluey's return to his diverse roots. He found Mecca on this musical journey and I'm glad he took us with him. Maysa is featured, but all the vocalists are outstanding.
Even after their latest two CDs have been released, this remains one of my favorite driving music CDs. Every song whips you along in a wave of delight. My personal favorites: "Marrakesh" and "Nights Over Egypt". This CD is an invaluable addition to anyone's collection. It shows Bluey's maturity and range. And it is as Funky as you would expect. I wanted more horns, but I got more body and a more unified sound. Great CD."
Marrakech is a slammin track!!
dOc | Atlanta, GA | 01/22/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"How this CD got in my hands is a long story, why I haven't given it back and also bought another is why I writing this. The CD is banging!! The first track I heard from this CD was "Marrakech". Incognito created an underground clasic with that jam. I admit that after all of the music this man has created, I never bought anything until now. "More of Myself" has a nice vibe, "Fearless" has a groovin acid-jazz swing to it..... the entire CD is amazing. In my opinion, the CD should be grabbed for "Marrakech" alone.oNe"
"Haut de Gamme"
DJ Come of Age | Germany/France/USA | 01/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally a cd from Incognito that lives up to their name. Although I have accused them of cashing in on past laurels, this work shall muster well deserved honor. For starters, a host of master musicians present here with dubious sound and distinction. Most notably, Maysa, who helped propel the "INCOGNITO" sound we identify with today. Maysa is a wondrous talent, yet underrated still. She goes hand in hand with Bluey's production. Not since the hard to find "Jazz Funk" cd have they produced anything this good. Yeah, it's that good! I would recommend this to all of Incognito fans, especially those who loved their earlier works. So exactly how good is it? If I could afford to, I'd buy it for you myself! True that.Watson"
Step Into Tommorrow
DJ Come of Age | 10/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The reason I say "step into tommorow," is because this album will be in my "best replay value" stack of tapes tomorrow, and hopefully years to come. I've never heard any of Incognito's previous albums, I came across 'No Time Like The Future' at a local music shack and said, "Hey, I heard of them... what the heck, it's jazz, right?" I had yet to find out it was acid-jazz, my favorite genre, and I was bombarded by an array of mellow vocals and vintage '70s-derived strings and rhythms. Usually I think jazz singers are cheesy and can't sit through scat-like bop songs on the likes of BET Jazz. But Maysa Leak comes off strong with a well-grounded crew of background singers. Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick orchestrates a jazz masterpiece with "N.T.L.T.F." I based my liking, on the first listen, on the strength of the track "I Can See The Future." This is, arguably, the best song I ever spent 8 minutes and 14 seconds listening to in my life! The strings are hypnotising, I strum along on an imaginary guitar with every spin. The gypsy vocal adds an eerie air to the composition. One can't look past the eccentric track "Black Rain" with several transitions in tone and a nice rain effect. Overall, a great millenium album, and each song is worth listening to (maybe one or two skips). I recommend it to any acid-jazz fan."