Britain's Incognito is known the world over for its low-key blend of
sultry smooth jazz dance rhythms and upbeat soul-inspired melodies. As
VOA's Doug Levine tells us, the band's disposition remains sunny as we
hear on their new album Tales From The Beach.
If a song like
"Happy People" makes you think of balmy breezes on a lush tropical
island, it's no accident. Just ask Incognito founder, producer and
guitarist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, who describes the album as a
tribute to his native country Mauritius.
Bluey got his first
taste of music from the beaches of Mauritius, a tiny island off the
coast of Madagascar. While he was drawn to the sounds of Stevie
Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Santana, his favorite pastime was watching
local musicians playing surfside.
"I spent a lot of time
listening to the hotel bands, or the bands playing around the bonfires
and cookouts," he says.
For inspiration in the making of Tales From
The Beach, Bluey returned to some of his favorite beaches around the
world, to, as he puts it, "let the music flow."
Incognito's
music has been flowing for almost three decades. Its multi-cultural
lineup has undergone various changes over the years, but the group has
always delivered a steady output of new releases and world tours.
In
fact, touring is almost a necessity. Since early-2007, Incognito has
performed in over 25 countries, including a bittersweet concert in
Mauritius. It was Bluey's first visit there since moving with his
family to London when he was 10 years old.
