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Incognito: Tribes, Vibes + Scribes

 A l b u m   D e t a i l s


Label: Phonogram Ltd.
Released: 1992
Time:
 50:03
Category: Acid Jazz
Producer(s): See Artists ...
Rating: *******... (7/10)
Media type: CD
Web address: www.incognito.org.uk
Appears with:
Purchase date: 2000.12.09
Price in €: 9,99



 S o n g s ,   T r a c k s


[1] Colibri (Bull/Maunick) - 5:59
[2] Change (Bull/Maunick) - 5:04
[3] River in My Dreams (Leak/Maunick) - 1:08
[4] Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing (Wonder) - 5:19
[5] Magnetic Ocean (Bull/Clahar/Maunick) - 5:18
[6] I Love What You Do for Me (Bull/Maunick) - 4:27
[7] Closer to the Feeling (Bull/Maunick/Virgi) - 4:20
[8] L'Arc en Ciel de Miles (Bull/Maunick/Robinson) - 3:59
[9] Need to Know (Bull/Maunick) - 5:15

[11] Tribal Vibes (Bull/Maunick/Robinson) - 5:55

 A r t i s t s ,   P e r s o n n e l


Thomas Dyani-Akuru - Percussion
Ellen Blair - Violin
Richard Bull - Guitar, Percussion, Drums, Keyboards, Programming, Producer
Patrick Clahar - Synthesizer, Saxophone
Andy Gangadeen - Drums
Graham Harvey - Keyboards
Peter Hinds - Keyboards
Randy Hope-Taylor - Bass
Ivan Hussey - Cello
Stephen Hussey - Violin
Maysa Leak - Vocals, Background Vocals
Sara Lowenthal - Bass
Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick - Guitar, Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer
Yolisa Phale - Violin
Kevin Robinson - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Rowland Sutherland - Flute
Bernita Turner - Background Vocals
Fayyaz Virji - Trombone

 C o m m e n t s ,   N o t e s


This England-based dance and funk but mostly jazz band brings nothing but energy to this project. The production is sleek, and the arrangements are precise. Maysa Leakey reaches her higher notes without abandoning the fullness of her unwavering lower range. Half of the songs on this album utilize her vocals, while the others are instrumentals. The instrumental tracks feature bebop-influenced solos, in particularly "L'Arc En Ciel De Miles," which is an admirable tribute to the late famous jazz trumpeter. However, each song's solo is just as riveting as the next. The one constant on this album is the steady strum of bassist Randy Hope-Taylor. Contrary to the group's name, their music is anything but incognito — it's excellent and as conspicuous as ever.

Craig Lytle, All-Music Guide



In den Staaten setzt Dance-Music allzu oft auf massiven Synthie-Bombast. Das Londoner Talkin'Loud-Label favorisiert, seinem Namen zum Trotz, die subtileren Töne. Obwohl zehn Musiker bei Incognito am Groove basteln, zudem mal eine Streichertruppe das Klangbild ausschmückt, wirken die Arrangements nie überladen. Das kann nur von Vorteil sein, wenn im Vordergrund (meist) eine so charismatische Stimme wie die von Maysa Leak strahlt und derart exzellente Rhythmiker den Boden für den Dreiklang aus Fusion, Funk und Soul bereiten.

© Audio



Noch eine Spur modischer fällt der Souljazz-Stoff aus, den die Londoner Gruppe Incognito mit ihrem neuen Werk "Tribes, Vibes And Scribes" auslegt. Bandboß Jean Paul Maunick hat die stimmsouveräne Maysa Leak aus Stevie Wonders Begleitband angeheuert - und die brachte auch gleich das passende Stück mit: Stevies "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing".

© Stereoplay



Die frühen Jahre

Obwohl Incognito eigentlich schon Anfang der 80er eine CD produziert haben, und vor Tribes, Vibes&Scribes auch schon eine weitere CD in den 90ern aufgenommen haben, sind sie erst mit dieser Platte ins Rampenlicht gerückt. Hauptgrund dafür ist eine Cover-Version von Stevie Wonders Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (aus dessen Innervisions). Soweit ich weiss ist das das einzige Stück, das diese Band spielt, das nicht von ihnen komponiert wurde, aber dafür ist es auch wirklich gut. Trotzdem es recht nah am Original gehalten ist, kommen das Leben und der Groove deutlich besser rüber als beim Urheber selbst. Nicht nur dieses Stück ist von Maysa Leak perfekt gesungen, sie fällt auch bei allen anderen Stücken mit Gesang positiv auf: absolute Kontrolle über ihre Stimme und viel Ausdruck sind ihre Kennzeichen. Doch sie ist nicht alles, was diese Formation ausmacht. Incognito wäre deutlich weniger wert ohne die fast schon zu perfekten Bläser oder die guten Arrangements vom Kopf der Band Bluey. Und somit ist es nur konsequent, dass es auch einige Instrumentalsongs auf dieser Scheibe gibt - und das ist dank deren Qualität als positiv zu bewerten. Eigentlich immer wichtig und vorhanden ist der Groove in den Songs, der hauptsächlich dem geschmackvollen Bassisten Randy Hope Taylor zu verdanken ist. Insgesamt ist die Musik jazzbeeinflusst, funky, ab und zu latinangehaucht und immer so verständlich, dass eine breite Schicht angesprochen wird. Leider sind die Songs manchmal etwas flach bzw. von der Stimmung zu neutral um wirklich herauszustechen. Deswegen 4 1/2 Sterne...



Incognito's third album nods to the influences that ground their jazz-funk-and-soul jams. The 11-member band adds a Latin feel to a snazzy cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," while "Magnetic Ocean" has a Weather Report-in-ballad-mode vibe. "Change" combines Maysa Leak's Chaka Khan-like power with sweeping Soul II Soul-ish strings, and "Need to Know" gives props to Roy Ayers (check the clavinet) and Rick James (horn section). The band is at its best showcasing Leak or featuring soloists, as on "Colibri" and the Mandrill-ish "Closer to the Feeling." Still, some attempts fall flat, like the syrupy "L'Arc en Ciel de Miles" that's more Chuck Mangione than Prince of Darkness. This one's for smooth-jazz aficionados; Brit-funk fans should check the band's later fare.

Suzanne McElfresh, Amazon.com



...this album is packed with fat jams from beginning to end. The diva vocals of Maysa Leak will leave you mesmerized...cool, clean, and well-produced...

The Source (5/93)



If the recent influx of jazzy soul groups like Young Disciples and D-Influence has got you thirsting for more, then be sure to check out this new release (via London's Talkin' Loud Records) from Incognito. Tribes, Vibes And Scribes is a glossy collection of music performed by over 11 musicians who create shimmering soul and ultra-contempo jazz with occasional Latin flavors-especially on the stunning remake of Stevie Wonder's Innervisions classic "Don't You Worry `Bout A Thing." Cuts like "Pyramids," "Closer To The Feeling" and "Tribal Vibes" are fronted by a streamlined horn section which becomes the principle voice. The uniform vocals of Maysa Leak display jazzy improvisation on "Colibri" while displaying a sweet and actively powerful range on "I Love What You Do For Me." For a mellow, relaxed change of pace, also feel the vibes of "Change," "Magnetic Oceans" and the funky "Need To Know."

© 1978-1999 College Media Inc. All rights reserved.



As I do with most new music, I tripped over this band's CD at a listening station at a local music store a few years back. I was surprised that they do not get decent U.S. airplay as R&B. I had heard "Colibri" on Contemporary Jazz playlists before, but this entire album is such a solid outing, you can just put it on and let it run straight through. This inspired me to look back in the Incognito collection, and to anticipate every release since. They cover Stevie's "Don't you Worry..." with energy and add a nice flavor via Maysa Leak's pipes. And what pipes they are. Yes, she does inspire thoughts of Chaka Khan, but please give this lady her own space. Ironically, the cover has her prominently displayed, standing front and center as though Incognito is her own Rufus. Bluey knows how to market an album cover! "Magnetic Ocean" gets my vote for funkiest cut....if this does not have your toes tapping then you need a toe check-up. "! Closer To The Feeling" even invokes a "War" type group chorus in combination with Tower of Power/E.W.F type horns. Enough references? I just want to show that this entire effort is a groove worth hearing. Enjoy.



Something's lost in the translation of Incognito's "Scribes"

After some respectable but unremarkable work in the late eighties, British jazz/funk/soul outfit made a wise move in the early nineties with the hiring of vocalist Maysa Leak. Her rich vocals have a honey-colored tone all their own, and she skillfully manages to sound emotionally powerful while maintaining a silky-smooth nuance that makes it all sound effortless. Unfortunately, the material on hand for her Incognito debut, 1993's "Tribes Vibes & Scribes," shows there was still room for improvement.

The most noticeable problem is Leak's lack of elbow room. She's only featured on five tracks, and while she handles them beautifully they don't use her talents to their full potential. The scatted samba "Colibri" is enjoyable, but the repetitive vocal runs leave Maysa the chance to do little else but go through the motions. "Change" is a midtempo delight, featuring lush strings and a trademark Incognito drum lick behind Leak's masterful vocal, but "I Love What You Do for Me" is so strikingly similar it's a surprise some sort of production tooling wasn't attempted. "River of My Dreams" gets off to a dreamy a capella start, but ends up robbed at a length of barely more than a minute.

Of course, this wouldn't be as obvious if the instrumental material were stronger. And while the Yellowjackets-flavored "Magnetic Ocean" and the slinky "Tribal Vibes" deliver, fare like "Closer to the Feeling" and "Pyramids" sound like watered-down Brand New Heavies, closer to the realm of smooth-jazz than the funk that is obviously being attempted. But Maysa's fifth track is worth the price of admission all on its own: her flawless and spirited vocal take a Latin-flavored, horn-laden rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing" to the realm of brilliance, making for one of the band's most memorable moments.

Completists of either Incognito or Maysa Leak will no doubt want this in their collection; there are definitely enough worthwhile moments to make it a wise purchase. But in hindsight, "Tribes Vibes & Scribes" is somewhat of a low watermark for a band whose artistry would later reach high tide.

John Jones from Boston MA, August 14, 2000



Incognito mixen Pop, Soul, Funk und Jazz geschickt zusammen. Das Resultat ist ein hochprozentiger Cocktail - eben Jazz und doch nicht Jazz.

T. Hammerl in Stereo 9/92



...this album is packed with fat jams from beginning to end. The diva vocals of Maysa Leak will leave you mesmerized...cool, clean, and well-produced...

The Source (5/93, p.72)
 

 L y r i c s


CHANGE

What we got here
Is not a fool's dream
We really feel the need
We've come to ground
Like prisoners on the run
Just minutes away from freedom
Ain't no use in fooling ourselves
We really feel the need
Whatever it takes
Nothing will be too much
We both long for better days

Baby, we're different as the seasons
Never ever giving reasons
Left with the tears
And the paralysing fear
That brings us to our knees



Chorus:
Change
Bring on the changes
Change
Bring on the changes

It's no pretending, no denying
When you really feel the neeed
Going to hang on and be strong
Turn the tables, make the change

The two of us, different as the seasons
Never ever giving reasons
Left with the tears
And the paralysing fear
That brings us to our knees

Chorus x 2

There's gotta be some give and take
If we ever gonna make a change

Chorus x 2

Repeat (Fade)


RIVER IN MY DREAMS

There's a river in my dreams
Flowing endlessly to you

There's a river in my dreams

There is no place where I can go
Without you here, close to my heart
When I close my eyes, I see your face
Baby, I wanna feel your warm embrace


DON'T YOU WORRY 'BOUT A THING

Everybody's got a thing
But some don't know how to handle it
Always reachin' out in vain
Just taking the things not worth havin'

Chorus:
But don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing (Don't you worry, baby)
'Cause I'll be standing on the side when you check it out

They say your style of life's a drag
And that you must go other places
Just don't you feel too bad
When you get fooled by smiling faces

Chorus

When you get off your trip
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing

Chorus

Everybody needs a change
A chance to check out the new
You're the only one who see
The changes you take yourself through

Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing (Sweet baby)
'Cause I'll be standin' in the wings when you check it out

Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
Don't worry, don't worry, don't worry 'Cause I'll be right here waitin' for you baby
Repeat (Fade)


I LOVE WHAT YOU DO FOR ME

Smile, like a happy child
Feelin' safe in your embrace
Shine, sunshine
Kiss you warmly on your face
This is the place where I am free
There is no where else I'd rather be

Chorus:
Than here in your arms
Hypnotised by your charms
Every touch means so much
Boy, you blow my mind
I love what you do for me

(I love what you do, I love what you do)
What you do for me, baby

Close your eyes
And I'll creep into your dreams
Through your mind, weave a secret on your soul
All that you dream, I'm dreamin' too
No one else could take the place of you

(I wanna be)
Chorus

I love what you do for me
Close to you's where I wanna be
Baby, baby, baby, baby (Oh)

Chorus

Repeat (Fade)


CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE

Steal the thunder
You're a diamond in the mire
Shine on, wont you shine on
No matter where you are

Like the forces of nature
Irresistable as the sun
So real got to be so real
Your heart and your mind's desire

So wake up and dance
Now is the time
Hey, hey, hey

Chorus:
Celebrate your life
It's your life (your life)
Celebrate your life
Step into the big sunshine

From rags to riches
So many only dreamin'
So don't be a fool now
Keep control on your destination
With the future so bright
Aim your eye to the sky
So real got to be so real
Life can be what you want it to be
So wake up and dance
It's your time Hey, Hey, Hey

Chorus


KEEP THE PROMISE

Felt so good when we started
The future burnt so bright
From the moment our eyes met
We knew that it was so right

We have each other
And I believe we have the power
To make it happen

Chorus:
(Keep the promise)
(Can we keep the promise)
Can we keep it
(Keep the promise alive)
Oh
(Keep the promise)
(Can we keep the promise)
(Keep the promise alive)

I believe in the notion
We have dreams to fulfill
I believe in forever
I know that I always will

You are the reason
Baby I cannot shake this feelin'
Let's make it happen

Repeat chorus

It gets better, it gets stronger all the time
And I've discovered that there's one thing on my mind
Keep the promise alive

Chorus to fade

 M P 3   S a m p l e s


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