Customer Reviews

Eleven

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was just saying to a fellow music lover and friend of mine that the BEST Incognito album... is whichever one you happen to be listening to at that moment in time. True to form, "Eleven" is EXCELLENT!!! With 11 STRONG songs, Bluey takes us on a another musical adventure through the world of Acid Jazz at its' finest.

The supporting cast is stellar as usual, with Incognito regulars Richard Bailey, Dominic "Ski" Oakenfull, Graham Harvey, Dominic Glover, Nichol Thompson, Andy Ross, and Ed Jones backing Blueys guitar work on the Drums, Keys, and horns. Newcommers Shawn Lee, Tony Remy, Francis Hylton, Jim Hunt, and Bosco De Oliveira provide reilef on drums, guitar, bass, sax, and percussion. Throw in vocals from standout singers Maysa, Tony Momrelle, Imaani, Gail Evans, and Tyrone Harvey and the potential for a GREAT album is firmly established. This ensemble is EXCELLENT, and as usual, the performance and execution is flawless.

With "Eleven" Bluey is continuing the 70s' retro sound he developed on the Incognito "Spin-off" group Inner Shades' only release "Four Corners of the World." On this CD we are treated to SOME synthesizer work (playing vintage analog sounds from the 70s') but mostly processed guitar, Clavinet, Fender Rhodes, piano, and plenty of acoustic instruments. This is GOOD music that doesn't rely on gimics or tricks to entertain.

"Let The Mystery Be" is a medium tempo instrumental showcasing the horn section. "We Got Music" is an up tempo body shaker that is destined to be a dance hall anthem. "Come Away With Me" is another club/house music special, with a sparkling vocal performance by Maysa. "Baby It's Alright" is a medium tempo song with a lovely intro reminiscent of Chaka Kahn and Rufus' 70's hit "Sweet Thing". A nice guitar solo mid-way trough by Tony Remy puncuates Imaanis vocal performance. "When Tomorrow Gets You Down" is an R&B cut featuring Maysa and some nice backing harmony.

"Jacaranda" is a horn-funk instrumental featuring some nice interplay and complicated melodic lines in the end. "Show Me Love" is another dance tune that sounds like it could have been recorded on the Cogs 2nd CD, "Inside Life". "Will I Ever Learn?" is a medium tempo torch song sung with feeling by Maysa. "I'll Get By" is a pure funk effort featuring the soulful voice of Tony Momrelle. "It's Just One Of Those Things" is a feel good, up tempo tune with a moody lyric. You find yourself humming this song long after its over. "As Long As It's You" is another torch song with Imaani doing the honors.

This is an EXCELLENT collection of songs; good music to say the least. If you are an Incognito fan, you'll enjoy each and every cut on this CD. If you are new to the Cogs, you'll quickly become a fan after listening to "Eleven".

I want to convey exactly how I feel about Bluey and his musical family Incognito but first let me say, ...The UK is blessed to have you my brother.I purchased Eleven this past Sunday, and it's the only thing I have listened to since then. Maysa's voice sends chills down my spine. I knew I would be hooked because that has been the case with EVERY CD THAT I HAVE EVER PURCHASED BY INCOGNITO. The whole damn band is smoking as usual! Real Instruments are heard, and you can feel, hear and taste the love that was put into making this cd. Nothing but the best, always... Bluey, you never cease to amaze me. You and your musical style ought to be put into worldwide mass production.

This Is a great cd from start to finish and I am really feeling this one.Has a nice jazzy funky vibe and will keep you jammin all day and night long.Incognito scores again buy It!

British Jazzsoulsters Incognito, are back(well, not that they ever left) cooking up their 11th studio recording in 25yrs. Tastfully entitled Eleven.
It's been a little over a year since they took us on a Adventure In Black Sunshine, and in a day and time when most supergroups take about 3 to 4yrs to invite us back over for dinner, Jean-Paul Maunick and the gang waste little time in giving us another serving of jazz, funk, soul.
From the magical delicious instrumental track, Let The Mystery Be, you'll hear that Incognito has not lost any musical flavor in the past 25years, but in fact have created yet another delicacy that not only feeds the soul, but nourishes the heart. Preparing the Incognito stew again this time around is the familiar aroma of Maysa Leak. Also passing the peas is Imaani, who bakes a very sweet thing influenced ballad. Baby It's Alright. Tony Momrelle who has a slow-roasted duet with Maysa called, It's Just One Of Those Things. And showing everyone that fat meat is greasy is Carleen Anderson, the former voice of The Young Disciples. On the song, Show Me Love.
Simmering in the stew as always is Bluey. The secret ingredient. Whether incorporating horns, strings or other succulent sounds, Bluey has always gotten the most flavor out of all the spices he cooks with. And when the food is done, he feeds the world with love, peace and happiness.
A MUSICAL SMORGASBORD
Eleven continues to wet the palate of fine diners that haven't fully digested what real music is all about. When will the deep waters subside?
Everyone has there own taste, and I prefer to eat healthy, and with 11 calories of soulful delights, Incognito latest appetizer will leave your musical tastebuds hungry for more.....Bon Appetit

My goodness, will Incognito ever lose their touch? I hope not. Adventures in Black Sunshine was positively remarkable however Eleven is beyond that. This album has great dance tracks as well as some mellow tracks which all will keep one interested. I must admit that We Got Music is my favorite so far. Bluey and the Crew really do know what music is and keep us fans craving for more.

I'm echoing all the thoughts mentioned by the previous writer. I own all of Incognito and Maysa's (individual) albums. This new one of Incognito is very well balanced with great tunes. This music is absolutely kick a$$, and I can't get enough of it! I have one gripe... why on earth can't these guys bring out these albums recorded in multichannel (DVD-A or SACD) when other good artists are doing so?? ...beats me! If only they did that...

This cd is laid back and I love it! I love "Let the Mystery Be," "We Got Music," and all of maysas songs on the cd.

Also the main man is doing background vocals on "Show Me Love" with Carleen Anderson! Pick it up!!!!

Incognito's biggest fan in Denver!

Well I really love this band and they've rarely disappointed me, but Eleven has added some things to the mix that are quite cool. As a guitarist I love hearing some good axe playing and the addition of Tony Remy really upped the ante---this dude can play, ranging from the restrained bluesy licks in the break on my favorite track "Baby It's Alright" (with fantastic vocals by Imaani) to the jazzy solo on "Show Me Love." Bluey's and Tony Remy's rhythm work is solid and a bit more up-front compared to other albums, e.g., the funky comping on the vocal duet "It's Just One of Those Things" and the soulful sliding in "As Long As It's You" that would be right at home in a Stax track from 1968. I really like the contrast among the vocalists, particularly Maysa Leak and Imaani. As usual the horns are great, very much in a Royal Scam vibe here, the vintage-style production is spot-on pretty much everywhere, vocals are solid and the groove is maintained throughout. In other words, Bluey Maunick delivers again.

Good melodies and groove. You will not be disappointed. Forgive me for not writing lenghty but this ranks among the bests of the Incognito albums I have (and I have most of them!)¨

Another winner from Incognito what more could be said! Now I need to see them Live Incognito please come visit the great Northwest "Seattle" believe me you guys do have fans here.