Customer Reviews

Tales From the Beach

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Tales From The Beach" is Incognito doing what they do best. Nuff said. As prolific as this band is, this is one of their best sets to date, bar none.

I have to agree with the other reviews here on 2 main points: the consistency of the Cog's style, and the fact this sounds like "Adventures In Black Sunshine II," which is a great thing.

Incognito is one of the few bands still making music that can keep their same OVERALL sound without getting stuck in it. One set may have a hint of espresso, another is more mellow, yet another may have intricate string arrangements, and so on. But the sound never gets stale. Every now and then they may record a song that can be interchangeable with a previous one. (The same could be said of artists considered to be geniuses, such as Stevie Wonder.) But that is quite rare, and no such thing exists here on "Tales." If anything, this set sees Bluey and and the crew taking things to an even higher level of intricacy to please hardcore musicians and DJ's alike.

"Adventures In Black Sunshine" most closely matches the vibe of "Tales" and is a perfect follow up to it in every way. The subsequent releases after "AIBS" ("Eleven" & "Bees, Things, and Flowers") were quite good in their own right, yet each had a different flavor. But "Tales" picks right up from "AIBS" and any fan of that album will thoroughly enjoy this one.

In fact, this is a good place for anyone to start exploring Incognito's many pleasures, even if someone has never heard of the group. It's a wonderful recording in every way imaginable.

Buy the disc, download the tracks, whatever ... but treat yourself. It's more than worth it, especially in 2008 when real, genuine good M-U-S-I-C is rare.

I actually really like this album. I am surprised not more reviewers are commenting on this jewel of album. But, then again, most hip Incognito fans are too busy grooving, doing their thing, to stop and drop a review. Why? Because Incognito fans are grown folks and desire grown folks music. I am in my late twenties and I find myself gravitating toward this sound of music - a lot of soul, some acid jazz, a funky riff here and there, some wonderful house tones, and yes, Maysa. Definitely a solid album. Just prior to obtaining Tales From The Beach, I listened to songs from a prior album, Adventures In Sunshine - it appears this latest album picks up where Adventures left off. Sublime and familiar. Definitely five stars.

There are some musicians that couldn't put out a bad product even if they tried. That takes talent and Incognito have that in spades ! Everyone of their albums gives me a good feeling and keeps my toes tapping. This rates up there with any of the best stuff from this band. If this genre is your bag (how could you not like it!) then you'll love this one. It's funky, melodic and the CD tracks are sequenced perfectly, with occasional vocal appearences by the fantastic Maysa. I could listen to this all day (along with Pieces Of A Dream, Down To The Bone, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Brand New Heavies, etc). Get it if you haven't already.

I've been listening to Incognito for over 16 years and have every one of their albums. This album is indeed a masterpiece. Excellent musicianship that just can't be heard anywhere else. Very uplifting and groove oriented. I hope they tour the US soon.

Incognito still has the same groove and musical formula that made them famous. It good to hear Maysa on some of the tracks. Must get for Incognito fans.

Incognito has put out another high quality, soulful CD! The music on this CD is reminescent of some of their earlier works, and worth every penny. If you love jazz, funk, and groove... quickly add this CD to your collection. You will not regret it.

Anyone that enjoys "Real" music, made by "Real " musicians, and vocals sung by "Real" vocalists will love this newest CD from one of the best Jazz/Soul/R&B bands to ever exist! Bluey and the Incognito family of talented musicians/singers/writers/etc....have really put together a top notch project. This CD is packed with all the right ingredients to make it one of best projects Incognito has ever put out...Funky& Jazzy grooves, a great horn section, and Amazing Vocals from all the singers- especially the sweet and sulty sounds of Maysa Leak, she is a vocal goddess ! This CD is a must for any Incognito fan ! If you are not familiar with Incognito check it out, and by all means...if they are ever in concert near you GO !!!!!!! One of the best live bands I've ever experienced !

The kings and queens of acid jazz, led by Bluey, just continue to deliver great music, wonderful arrangements, beautiful vocals, super production, magical lyrics, orchestral excellence, forever unique...since buying Jazz Funk in 1983, I have been entranced by Incognito...and 'Tales from the Beach' is the latest release in their extraordinary history, making sure they retain their crown as the best...they topped iTunes this past week, and I expect by next Tuesday, this CD will be on top...it's hard to believe that each album offers so many great grooves, while each stands alone, they represent a tremendous influence in music over the past 25 years...we are all fortunate to have been able to enjoy Bluey and all the musicians who have been a part of Incognito over the years...

Simply awesome!!! If you like the Brand New Heavies, Pieces of Dream, Earth Wind & Fire, Cool and the Gang, Esperanza Spalding, Bebel Gilberto, Euge Goorve, Chris Botti, 4Play, The Rippingtons, Spyro Gyra, Tower of Power, Dave Koz, Acoustic Alchemy, Boney James, Brian Culberton, Dave Grusin, Gerald Albright, Jeff Kashiwa, Jeff Lorber, Kem, Kim Waters, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor, Wayman Tisdale, Nils, etc. You'll LOVE INCOGNITO!!!! They're the perfect combination of all these influences and more!!!! I discovered them a couple of years ago and I'm hooked!!! I just wish we could have more groups that sound like this!!! Perfect Music!!! EVERYTHING REVOLVES AROUND THE BASS!!!!

My favorite song: I've Been Waiting!!! I sing it to my soon to be husband!!! Love you baby!!!

I just purchased "Tales From The Beach", having never heard of Incognito. I am very glad I did. Sophisticated sound, wonderful horns and percussion, and many songs good to dance to. Perfect music for summer at the beach. I plan to purchase their previous albums and catch up on their music.