Freestyle review: Incognito

Incognito No time like the future 1x CD Chrysalis		Often referred to as one of the pioneers and originators of the UK acid jazz scene, Incognito, especially its founder J.P. Maunick has always been interesting. Now already with an almost 15 year musical career, 1999 sees a new album of Incognito. We are happy to see the presence of Maysa Leak on vocals. She almost attributes as much to the Incognito sound as J.P. Maunick himself as her vocal talent is simply striking! On the other hand the music of Incognito has not always been unspoken. J.P. Maunick is not afraid of bringing remakes from time to time, and again, this album's most imminent remake is the one from The Jones Girls and "Nights over Egypt" (a superb track originally produced by Dexter Wansel!) I can't help but being convinced that the Nights over Egypt remake is here for easily attracting interest in the new Incognito. The formula is simply too easy to use this old Jones Girls classic to quickly gain some radio airplay and interest. And worst of all, this remake misses most of the original spirit of the Jones Girls pearl. Well, I can only suppose we indeed live in a commercial world and Chrysalis wanted this 'selling factor" on the album, but Freestyle is as you'll know by now all about pure music only, so we'd like to focus the attention on the real value of the "No time like the future" album. For example, things like "It ain't easy", on a somewhat simple concept, but exposing Incognito's sound at best : classy vocals, superb production of a very warm smooth souljazz sound. More of this moody and ez stuff comes with "Centre of the sun" and "More of myself". Here, Maysa Leak is astonishing! What a voice control and spectrum she has! Wow, with her voice, she'll melt the coldest man's heart on this planet! And the surprise is not over, the last two tracks of this album are the most interesting without a doubt. First, there is "I can see the future", bringing a trippy and very warm jazzgroove experience. It's relaxing and infectious at the same time, funky and laidback, clearly, J.P. Maunick balances like no other that sharp edgy line between moody, smooth on one side and enticing funky on the other side. Then there is the apotheosis : "Black rain". Close your eyes on this track, it's one of the most trippy and mindblowing tracks ez's ears have been treated to lately. No comments needed, this is an all maxed out 100% pure chill experience! Check it out. ez sept/99