No Time Like the Future [ENHANCED]

Incognito

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 20, 1999)
• Original Release Date: July 20, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B00000JMK8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,769 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #28 in	Music > R&B > Neo-Soul
  #72 in	Music > Jazz > Acid Jazz

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

From Jazziz

British soul/jazz/funk group Incognito has been through some -

well - interesting times during the last couple of years. The group's

latest CD, No Time Like the Future, took two years to record because

the group's braintrust, Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, was rebuilding his

basement recording studio after it was destroyed in a flood. "In

adversity, people rally around you, and you realize who are your

friends and which are the people who don't want to get their hands

dirty," says Bluey of the cleanup effort. "There are so many musicians

on this album [more than 50] because musicians I hadn't seen in years

were around and saying, 'Can I help you?' and I would say, 'Since

you're here, do you fancy playing a little?'"

--- JAZZIZ Magazine

Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc. Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 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

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. M. Branch "BarneySaxMan" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marrakech is a slammin track!!, January 21, 2001

By	dOc "undergroundmuzic" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

How this CD got in my hands is a long story, why I haven't given it back and also bought another is why I writing this. The CD is banging!! The first track I heard from this CD was "Marrakech". Incognito created an underground clasic with that jam. I admit that after all of the music this man has created, I never bought anything until now. "More of Myself" has a nice vibe, "Fearless" has a groovin acid-jazz swing to it..... the entire CD is amazing. In my opinion, the CD should be grabbed for "Marrakech" alone.

oNe