No Time Like the Future [Enhanced]

Incognito | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 20, 1999)
• Original Release Date: July 20, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B00000JMK8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,481 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #57 in Music > R&B > Neo-Soul

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

From the opening bars of "Wild and Peaceful" (almost a description of the group's style) with its soaring strings, crystalline piano, and flawless vocal harmonies, it's apparent that No Time Like the Future is rich with Incognito's patented blend of soul and finesse. "It Ain't Easy," with its refrain of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On," is a classic funk outcry; "Fearless" is a wordless chant with some great rhythm guitar and booting jazz saxophone; "Nights Over Egypt" backs another great vocal with popping bass and orchestral atmospherics; "Black Rain" mixes exotic drumming with some subliminal dissonance. Producer-composer-guitarist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick has added string arrangements by Simon Hale, appearances by the horns of the hot Cuban band Irakere, and the performances of small army of R&B singers (Maysa, especially) and British contemporary jazz players (Ed Jones stands out on tenor and soprano). The result is an irresistible combination of strong songs and pulsing rhythm tracks, all polished to slippery perfection. --Adam Rains

Product Description

Japanese Version Featuring 2 Bonus Tracks: 'Yesterday's Dream' & 'Port Louis'.. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars finally - REAL music!, July 23, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Time Like Future (Audio CD)

In a day when everything is "studio magic," it's refreshing to find a band that is authentic. This CD encapsulates the essence of music itself: creativity, passion, skill - it is amazing! Before hearing Incognito, I thought I had heard good music, now I KNOW what good music truly is. This album is worth the extra cash for "Yesterday's Dream," one of the bonus tracks. Add to that, the elegant and exotic sounds of "Marrakech" (which happens to have a brilliant B-3 in it), the funk of "Get Into My Groove," and the cutting-edge creativity of "Fearless," and you've got a CD I'd pay $50 to have!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incognito - A Band for the Time Capsule of the Future, February 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: No Time Like the Future (Audio CD)

IN MODERN MUSIC, NEVER HAS THERE BEEN A BAND LIKE INCOGNITO!! This group is highly UNDERRATED and "No Time Like the Future" is proof positive!! Bluey Maunick has a style, timbre and talent like none I've ever heard and the young people should listen to his music. "Wild and Peaceful" starts this CD out forceful -- I listen to this song 1st thing in the morning on the way to the gym or work to get me in a peaceful mode -- "Marrakesh" conjures up vivid images of my time in Zanzibar, Tanzania, "It Ain't Easy" resonates with every man/woman who has that special someone to call their own and want to make it work! and "Center of the Sun" is a heartfelt love song and Maysa's pipes do it justice like no one else!

Born in the last year of the baby-boomers (1965), I spent my entire adolescence AND allowance buying music (45's, LP's, the advent of singles on LPs -- you all feel me out there!!)

I have been listening to Maze since I was 12, Marvin Gaye since I can't remember when and all the GOOD groups like the Chi-lites, Heatwave, Isley Brothers, Spinners -- I have been buying Incognito's music since "Inside Life" and no matter who the singers are, Incognito puts together a CD that becomes a collectors' item and one that you'll listen to over and over again -- "No Time Like The Future" is one of Bluey's legacies!

30 years from now -- THIS is a CD the new world should hear to gain an understanding of what talent meant in our day.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTE GENIUS, November 23, 2004

By 

B Sax Man "BarneySaxMan" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Time Like the Future (Audio CD)

I should have written this a long time ago. I'm a huge fan of horn bands. That's what initially drew me into the Incognito circle. Their early albums featured a horn section that wouldn't wait, reminiscent of Tower Of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears and Chicago --- with a decidedly funk base. So I got them all.

When this CD came out, I was expecting more of the same horn-driven funk. And what I got was a spiritual experience unlike any other Incognito release up to this point. The horns are there, just more subdued and situated in appropriate slots, but with the emphasis on Bluey's return to his diverse roots. He found Mecca on this musical journey and I'm glad he took us with him. Maysa is featured, but all the vocalists are outstanding.

Even after their latest two CDs have been released, this remains one of my favorite driving music CDs. Every song whips you along in a wave of delight. My personal favorites: "Marrakesh" and "Nights Over Egypt". This CD is an invaluable addition to anyone's collection. It shows Bluey's maturity and range. And it is as Funky as you would expect. I wanted more horns, but I got more body and a more unified sound. Great CD.