The Pace Report: "A Surrreal Journey" The Incognito Interview featuring Maysa Leak
For 33 years soul-jazz British band Incognito has been the saving grace for many music fans all over the world. The band has produced over 1,100 producers, writers, musicians, and vocalists in the band's 3 decades as a unit. Spearheaded by the legendary Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick, he's been the backbone of keeping Incognito together as a band as well as lend his efforts as a producer, musician, and mentor to many musicians that perform in the group.
Their latest Shanachie records release "Surreal" features the legendary Maysa Leak on vocals as well the dynamic Mo Brandis and Natalie Williams who are on their way to becoming superstars in their own right. Bluey decided to form a new recording and touring band and bring in new writers Brandis, Williams, and Vanessa Haynes as part of the mix. The results are a powerful and rejuvenated Incognito group that hasn't lost its past groove and funk element that the band is noted for.
Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick formed Incognito in 1980 and was major staple along with other British soul-funk bands like FBI and Gonzalez. Incognito's first record was "Jazz Funk" and would be staple of what would become the legendary Incognito sound. Bluey's sound would be a thumping rhythm section along with the famous horn section. Also the vocalist would add a major part in the mix as DJs all over the UK and overseas would play mixes of their music added the increase sales of Incognito's music. Many of the vocalists who've performed in the band have enjoyed international success including Jocelyn Brown, Maysa Leak, Kelli Sae, Imaani, and Pam Anderson.
When Bluey met DJ/radio host/producer Giles Peterson, founder of Giant Step records, the band would enjoy a larger reach as well as heavier club presence. Incognito would record a slew of records including: "Inside Life," "Tribes, Vibes & Scribes," "Positivity," and "100 Degrees and Rising" that catapulted the group's rise as a mega band at a time when the solo artists reigned the record charts. Vocalist Maysa Leak was part of that legendary run and still records and performs with the band to this day.
Currently Incognito is embarking on their 2012 world tour and will be playing in a city near you. For upcoming tour dates or to order their latest disc "Surreal," please visit the band online at www.incognito.org.uk or www.facebook.com/cogheads