Ground-Breaking UK Groove-Master Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick Shares Some Incognito Sunshine To Warm Your Winter Chill With Video For "Into You"
The creative force behind Incognito, the preeminent funk/jazz/soul/dance outfit in the world, Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, pioneered the 'acid jazz' movement and laid down the blueprint for the neo-soul scene to follow. Incognito managed to craft a distinctive sound and groove all their own. Their captivating melodies and stories endeared them to fans across the globe. A time when drum machines and sampling dominated the airwaves, Bluey and Incognito reminded us of the sheer beauty of the human soul and instrumental virtuosity. They scored hits with versions of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and Ronnie Laws' "Always There," selling more than a million records in the process! The great writer James Baldwin eloquently noted that the role of the artist is to "illuminate darkness and blaze roads" so that the artist will not "lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place." As Bluey and Incognito mark their 44th Anniversary this year, there is no doubt they have helped to uplift our human condition. Bluey, who has collaborated with a who's who list in music including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Leon Ware, states, "I have always made music that reflects my journey and influences. I am pleased to be releasing yet another Incognito album for Shanachie. I've had a smile on my face throughout this writing and recording process of Into You! Musically and creatively, it's been a joyful journey."
Recorded, mixed, and mastered mainly at Bluey's studio (Colibri Sound Recorders) in the East end of London by his co-producer and engineer Mo Hausler, Into You features numerous collaborations. It is a shining example of Bluey's genius in bringing uniting diverse talents for the greater good. He is like an alchemist in a lab concocting the perfect antidote for any occasion. Early in the making of Into You, Bluey collaborated with Coen Molenaar of Tristan (Netherland), James Berkeley of Yakul (Brighton on UK South Coast) via email while he was in Krabi (Thailand) with bass player Francis Hylton and longtime collaborator Richard Bull. Those sessions became the backbone of the album and a strong foundation for Bluey's lyrics. "The importance of getting material that would connect with the featured voices of Natalie Duncan and Cherri V was paramount. As I had done in the past for Maysa, Joy Rose, Imaani, Vanessa Haynes, and other featured singers on previous albums, I knew that the key to this album lied in their voices reflecting their personalities and lives in every performance. Collaborating with these ladies was an amazing experience, and I already knew from touring with them that they would have my back at every turn."
Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick
Into You, also marks the debut of lead guitarist Charlie Allen, who is featured prominently throughout. "His contribution is already greatly anticipated by the thousands who have been raving about his live performances with the band this past year," shares Bluey. "He is one of the leading lights on the new wave UK Jazz scene." Other contributors on the album from the UK Jazz scene include trumpeter Johnny Woodham, keyboardist and singer James Berkeley and guitarist Femi Temowo who plays a solo on the track "Stories Of Our Past." Regular Incognito band member Tony Momrelle is also featured on a duet with Natalie and his unmistakable tones underpin the album's vocal blend on several cuts. Into You also showcases the dynamic duo of drummer Francesco Mendolia and percussionist Joao Caetanoe. The track "Close to Midnight," provides a nice showcase and some high vibes from the talented actor/musician Max Beesley. The track and guaranteed party starter, "Nothing Makes Me Feel Better," benefits from a killer groove set in motion by Basile Petite and Drew Wynen from France and Belgium respectively. Bluey declares, "This song has one of the most hypnotic bass lines to take you from PM to AM. The after-party drive home will never be the same!"
At a time when the world is so divided it is nice to know that music is still one of the few things people can agree on and that has the power to unite us. Bluey concludes, "I'm a man on a mission and music is my only weapon."
