For all my Incognito fans, you are going to get a kick out of the news I got for you!!! UK music sensation and pioneer Bluey of Incognito has his “first solo album” out on March 26th called “Leap of Faith” on Shanachie Records featuring all originals. If you absolutely can’t wait for the official release, we have the music stream “hook up” and his latest music video Got To Let My Feelings Show for your pleasure. Plus, Bluey will bring his legendary sound on tour with Incognito and Maysa appearing in the following cities:

March 28 & 29, 2013-Center Stage-Atlanta, GA

March 30, 2013-Fox Theatre-Detroit, MI

April 2 & 3, 2013-BB Kings-New York, NY

April 4, 2013-Rams Head On Stage-Annapolis, MD

April 5, 2013-The Howard Theatre-Washington, DC

April 6, 2013-Berks Jazz-Reading, PA

From The Press Release (more…)

Bluey of Incognito & Kelli Sae have teamed up to bring us “Brighter Than the Sun,” in which 100% of the proceeds will benefit Rebuilding Together and Unicef UK. The single, which will be officially released on 2/19 is aimed towards supporting long-term disaster restoration efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy and Typhoon Bopha.

“When I heard news that Sandy was coming, like many others I didn’t expect such a devastating disaster. Lives were lost. Families were completely destroyed. Businesses crumbled. Neighborhoods were destructed and need to be rebuilt. I felt completely helpless. All I could do was watch with my mouth open. I donated food and clothing, but still needed to do more,” states Kelli Sae. “So, I decided to use my voice and made a call to my amazing friend Bluey and ‘Brighter Than The Sun’ was born.”

Bluey Maunick penned the lyrics in “Brighter Than The Sun,” to deliver on Sae’s intent:

“Ain’t no use in being down, turn it loose, let’s turn this world around. I got you, baby you got me, we’re made of stars brighter than the sun.”

“We put our faith in what we know, and trust we will find a way.” Within one hour of Sae’s request, Bluey wrote the song in London. The next day, he recorded the music with Incognito, and completed it that week by adding Kelli’s dynamic, soulful voice which lifted the song to another level. Bluey (who by the way has a new CD coming 3/26 “Leap Of Faith” on Shanachie) adds, “We have benefitted from the support of so many people from the shores of New Jersey, New York City, and the affected regions of America, and we have felt the love of the Filipino people over the years and when we played in Manila. This is the least that we could do. To quote Mother Teresa, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

“Brighter Than the Sun” on Amazon.

In over 30 years and 14 albums, Incognito has not missed one funky, jazz-fusion beat. The latest project, Surreal, is one for your “Maximum chill-out kit”, so the fact that this album was released this spring just in time for the summer is a plus. Newer members Natalie Williams, Vanessa Haynes, and Mo Brandis are featured on lead vocals on Surreal (check out Mo Brandis on “Goodbye To Yesterday”, the first single from the album in the video below), but no need for the long-time Incognito to worry– Maysa is also featured on Surreal and does her thing. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage and push play.

Favorite tracks: “The Less You Know”

-KKC

Grown Folks Music was in the house when Jazz Funk band Incognito and special guest Khari Cabral performed at Center Stage in Atlanta.

Sometimes during an opening act, the audience is less enthusiastic and even inattentive. But that wasn’t the case during guitarist Khari Cabral’s performance.  In addition to “throwin’ down” himself, Cabral pulled some tricks from his sleeve by inviting Anthony David to join him on stage. And as if Anthony David wasn’t enough, he later surprised the crowd again by inviting India.Arie on stage.

According to band leader Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick, Jazz Funk veteran band Incognito has had more 1,500 members in the 33 years of its existence and later in the show he introduced what he dubbed “The United Nations of Incognito”—the current members of the band who represented several different countries of the world including Portugal, Jamaica, Trinidad, Germany, Italy, Brazil, the United States and England.

One of those past members, Maysa, is a crowd favorite and much to its satisfaction she showed up to bless the fans during “Change”, “Step Into My Life”, “The Less You Know” and “Still A Friend Of Mine” as well as during the encore selections. But certainly the current vocalists, Mo Brandis, Vanessa Haynes and Natalie Williams, aren’t too shabby either. The band also performed selections from the new album Surreal  featuring each of them on lead vocals.

Later in the show Bluey lead the audience down his personal musical journey mixed with a bit of music education of Brazilian funk and there was an outstanding demonstration of talent (and stamina) from the percussionists of the band that was a “give the drummer some” moment.

For the encore selections, the band presented snippets of “Don’t You ‘Bout A Thing” and “Nights Over Egypt”. More than likely, the crowd would have preferred to hear both those songs in their entirety—they didn’t get the attention they deserved, but the band brought it home with “Deep Waters”.  Some 30 years and many members later Incognito is still going strong with no signs of stopping anytime soon and offers up a pleasurable live performance.

Check out some of the new music released this week:

Lionel Richie: Tuskegee

Get it at iTunes

Madonna: MDNA (Deluxe Edition)

Get it at iTunes

Macy Gray: Covered

Get it at iTunes

Incognito: Surreal

Get it at iTunes

Take 6: One

Get it at iTunes

Clay Aiken: Steadfast

Get it at iTunes

20 yrs ago a friend and ventured on a 20-30min ride outside of Atlanta to go see Quincy Jones’ documentary “Listen up”. To say we were awe struck was an understatement. But it is safe to say that we were forever Quincy Jones fans….and students.

Fast forward 20 yrs and Q releases a new disc “Soul Bossanostra”. My friend and I are split on it. He bought it and thinks it’s pretty good. I signed the save Q from himself petition on GFM! Who am I to criticize Quincy Jones?! The man has certainly done his share for music. However I do wish he would’ve leaned more on his musical ear instead of his commercial eye.

But instead of complaining I decided to play a little game. If I had to “share” my suggestions w/Quincy about the direction to take for a project here’s what I would’ve suggested for the Dude!

Project Title: Genius in the Key of Quincy

1. The Roots,Jill Scott, Badu,Mos Def, Talib,Common, Bilal, Jaguar Wright, Q-Tip,Jazzyphatnastees – Listen Up
Interlude of the Roots playing a score piece from one of Q’s films

2. Raphael Saadiq - Light up the Night(Brothers Johnson cover)
Interlude of Saadiq & Joss Stone jamming on “It’s my party”

3. Sy Smith & Lettuce – Razzamatazz (BGV- Lalah,Rahsahaan,Ledisi, Kenya Hathaway, Bilal)
Interlude of Lettuce playing a film score (more…)

Well considering today is the “Sun’s Day” (plus it’s is officially Summer and been rather hot this past week…) I thought it might be appropriate to post Roy Ayers’ 1976 classic and a few covers. Stay cool. (more…)

Maysa Leak. Some of you may remember her from her days as the lead singer of the British funk-jazz group Incognito. Either way, you owe it to yourself to listen, appreciate and support this magnificent artist. Her latest album, Metamorphosis, dropped last month. You can check out the video here. (Select Inside Tracks -> Maysa -> Play Video)

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