To say that Incognito's new release "Who Needs Love" is refreshing is quite an understatement. For over 20 years, the brainchild of Incognito, Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, has driven this band sure and steady. In this 9th studio album, Incognito seems to encompass all their previous output into one album. Instead of sounding convoluted, it sounds new, vibrant, and exciting.
Who Needs Love is a myriad musical journey across and through jazz, funk, disco, soul, Brazilian, etc. Vocalist Ed Motta gets things started right in the title track, which hits you hard and keeps you groovin' with jazz-pop inflections while Motta belts out the lyrics with much passion. Joy Malcolm returns with some of her best stuff in "Stone Cold Heart". And featured vocalist Kelli Sae turns in some of the most beautiful, breeziest vocals since the legendary Maysa Leak graced Incognito's halls. How Bluey assembles great vocalists album after album, and how they fit the grand Incognito plan, is a feat worth praise.
But once again, Incognito wouldn't be Incognito without the stellar musicianship of Bluey and Company. The music is very consistant sounding yet daring as in "Byrd Plays" and the instrumental "Fly". R&B mixed with fusion jazz. Brazilian topped with funk. House and a smattering of soul. So on and so forth. This is how good these musicians are. Top-notch production studio rounds out a CD that is arguebly their best work (and that's saying a lot).
For those of you unfamilar with Incognito, this CD serves as a great introduction. As for fans, you will not be disappointed in the slightest. It's hard to find a musical release without flaws, but if "Who Needs Love" has them, they're hidden and irrelevant.
Article comments
1 - cjones
I loved Incognito when Maysa was with them. I will give them another listen now.
2 - Stefunkt
Their live appearance must be awesome - never seen them live . Love their first album " In Disguise" from 2000. The Incognito are a crazy band . I Love Rick Kennys drum play . Who is Maysa ?
3 - Mike Wilson
yeah Rick is great , where there any other albums of the Incognito before they released Who needs love except In Disguise . Met Bret McFern once at the Rodeo Inferno down in Detroit - anyone remembers ?