Bees + Things + Flowers

Incognito

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 26, 2006)
• Original Release Date: December 26, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Narada
• ASIN: B000JCETLU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #102,665 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Jean-Paul Maunick and his Incognito mates have spent the last 30 years refining and boiling down their version of acid jazz to a smoothly textured, immaculately produced sheen. Bees + Things + Flowers has a more retro vibe about it, filled with peaceful soul, stellar vocalists, and a few smartly executed covers. "Summer in the City" is a prime example of the latter, featuring a loopy vocal line, nimbly negotiated by Carleen Anderson, that floats over soft horns and snippets of playful synth. The singers Maunick brings in are often given the spotlight, even on a jazz flight like "Stand;" of course, a singer like Jocelyn Brown isn't exactly easy to upstage. At times, the record sacrifices tight structure for wandering bliss, like on the nine-minute Earth, Wind & Fire closer "That's the Way of the World." On the other hand, it's not like you can't wait for that nine minutes to end. Maunick, as always, makes it sound like there's all the time in the world. --Matthew Cooke --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description
2006 album from this soulful Acid Jazz band. It features new arrangements of four Incognito classics ('Always There', 'Still A Friend Of Mine', 'Everyday' and 'Deep Waters') and covers of such great tunes as Roy Ayers' 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine', Earth Wind & Fire's 'That's The Way Of The World', 'Summer In The City' and a stunning remake of America's 'Tin Man'. There are also three brand new Bluey compositions. Six tracks feature a 16-piece string section and the line-up of lead vocalists on this radio-friendly album is the strongest ever assembled for an Incognito album: Carleen Anderson, Jocelyn Brown, Maysa, Joy Rose, Imaani and Tony Momrelle. Dome. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another gem from Incognito, October 11, 2006

By	Tomas Zahorka (St. Louis, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Bees + Flowers + Things (Audio CD)

Incognito came out with a new ambum. This time they did covers of seventees classics such as Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Summer in the City, and That's the of the World. they came with a new fresh sound for incognito, powerful string and violin sessions, excelent vocals of Carleen Anderson, Maysa, Joy Rose, Jocelyn Brown and Imani as well as Tony Momberelle. They also remade Always There, Still a friend of Mine, Everyday and Deep Waters, which have also a fresh and very slow beat to it. Altogether, this one is another smash in the line of Incognito music!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars [...]Review, January 1, 2007

By	Sandy Shore (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Bees + Flowers + Things (Audio CD)

The concept behind this stunning new album from the legendary London-based Incognito is innovation... thinking outside the box. The result is exciting and adventurous. Leader Jean-Paul (Bluey) Maunick has created a truly unique collection of music here that not only has his new label wanting more, but could very well prove to be a defining moment for the band. The title of the disc sets the tone, in that it comes from their take on the Roy Ayers Acid Jazz classic "Everybody Loves the Sunshine." The Haiku-like lyrics (BEES + THINGS + FLOWERS) created the perfect vehicle for Bluey to be able to express the concept of new beginnings in a totally hip way, i.e. bees and flowers, the circle of life... see how it all fits together? Brilliant, as is the entire project! Conceived and recorded over the warm London summer of 2006, the disc embraces a set list that includes four of the group's classic titles (re-done acoustically and down-tempo), four well-chosen covers, and three brand new compositions. In addition, Bluey used more vocalists (including Maysa) on this date than ever before on an Incognito recording. Instrumentally, the Fender Rhodes becomes a key ingredient in the mix, as do acoustic guitar and electric bass. BEES + THINGS + FLOWERS is a ground-breaking Incognito album. Philosophically, that's where Bluey is with it, and that's how you'll hear it too. Kick off the new year with a fresh approach to Smooth Jazz! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For fans of the mellow side of the Cog , May 9, 2007

By	Peace Brotha (Ohio, United States) - See all my reviews

Incognito can do no wrong in my book. The music, band, production, vocalists, and arrangements have all been top-notch since their 1981 debut, resulting in some truly remarkable albums and mind-blowing songs along the way.

During that time, the group have racked up a wealth of uptempo hits, club favorites, and jams. While much of their fan base appreciates all sides of this multi-faceted organization, many Cog-heads look for that "good time" music on every new release ... and will ultimately be disappointed with this latest set, at least at first.

BTF has NO uptempo numbers. All the songs are acoustic or slow to very slow. They are perfect for a romantic evening, winding down, etc. But the people that are looking for something to which they can shake what their mama gave 'em will be starving for a remix album of these tunes (which would actually be a great idea). Think of it as Merlot rather than espresso, and you've got the vibe. Rich, dark and exotic, but mellowing rather than energizing.

BTF is a brief but solid album that well may be the only one of its type that the band will ever release, and for that it's special. And again, the execution is passionate -- yet virtually flawless in execution. Very few bands can pull that off once, let alone album after album, after album. Among other strong remakes, their take on "That's The Way Of The World" may be the best ever, second only to Earth Wind and Fire's brilliant original.

I applaud Incognito for delving fully into their mellow and softer side. Rump-shakers: be assured that Bluey is cooking up something hot for you. Take a breather and give BTF a chance.