Incognito – ‘Eleven’ (Narada Jazz)

British soul-funk-jazz collective Incognito resurfaces once again with a fresh sound that is all too cool and compelling to contain. Their 11th studio effort appropriately titled Eleven features tracks that are explosive with tropical upbeat rhythms, 70’s soul experience, and charged emotional lyrics that transcend love and music. Front man Bluey continues to come through with an ensemble of creative musicians and vocalists such as Imaani, Carleen Anderson, and our girl Maysa (Leak) providing the staple sound that makes Incognito unique in the first place.

The album kicks off with “Let the Mystery Be”, one of two funky instrumental tracks that is a stellar testament to the sound of fusion bass lines, Latin percussions, and brassy horns to the limit. Next, we have “We Got Music” – strives for that end of the day feeling that we need to energize our spirits and throw our cares away to have a good time. All we need is love and music, the catchy hook stress relief from a mundane 9-5 kinda mood. Another stand out from Eleven is the jazz house influence “Show Me Love” at first, you think to yourself, is that Sarah Vaughan…no it’s Carleen Anderson, formerly of Young Disciples/Brand New Heavies, on lead channeling to groovy not to miss pulse. Listening to her riffs near the end of the song proves my point. Hence, I’m waiting for a remix to that song (hint hint…Kenny Dope/Louie Vega if you’re reading this). Another song that takes a familiar spin “Baby It’s Alright” lead by Imaani is reminisce of Rufus/Chaka Khan’s Sweet Thing not a mere imitation but a complimentary reassurance of love.

Other winners displayed, “When Tomorrow Brings You Down”, “Jacarenda”, “As Long It’s You” and the lush mid-tempo duet styling of Maysa Leak and Tony Momrelle’s “It Just One of Those Things” fills in the CD set.

This brings me back to the Eleven CD. Given longevity to Incognito’s success attesting 25 years of richly urbane collaborations and Bluey’s musicianship, this CD spotlights the band staying power from start to finish.