Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': "Tomorrow's New Dream", by Incognito

IMC Pick of the Day: "Tomorrow's New Dream", by Incognito. Reviewed by Eddy Cabello.

Incognito’s momentum began in 1979 when Bluey Maunick and Paul “Tubbs” Williams decided to form the band. Most bands lose their speed after a few decades, but not Incognito. Forty years and eighteen studio albums later, Incognito delivers a new album in 2019, “Tomorrow’s New Dream” and the album is nothing less than previous albums – this is also spectacular.

From the first track, “Haze Of Summer” which features Joy Rose, you can tell Bluey and his band will take you on another funky, soul-soaked, acid-jazz ride.

The good news is that the identifiable vocal sound of Maysa Leak is back on two tracks, along with other amazing featured artists such as Phil Perry, Take 6, Vanessa Haynes, Imaani, Cherri V, Mario Biondi, James Berkeley and Roberta Gentile. Yes, there are lots of vocalists on this album, but that’s what makes Incognito so special. Over the years, Bluey has created an incubator for amazing talent and he uses it to his advantage, although many differ with this opinion. I don’t. Bluey knows what he’s doing.

“For the Love of You”makes you want to drop the convertible top as you drive at 110 BPM – enjoying the duet groove laid down by Leak and Perry. The vocal chemistry is still working.

“The Weather Report” is a special track that features the best acapella vocal group in the land – @Take 6. How much better can it get with you mix Bluey with Mark Kibble? But here, they’re backed musically by Incognito. Ear candy. Enough said.

If you’re non-lyrical, don’t worry. Bluey delivers plenty of instrumental groove such as “Saturday Sirens” and “Say What’s On Your Mind”. Here’s where Bluey “lets out the reigns” on the band. Trumpets, trombones and flutes abound for your liking. Hints of Hubert Laws actually work with the funkier jams. It works.

One of the highlights on the album is the slow-burned “Shine”, sung by James Berkeley. The jazzy “Rhodes chordings and phrasings” on this simple tune make it sound complex. But it’s only 1:43 in length! It’s almost an appetizer for the next track sung by Cheri V, “Only A Matter of Time”, which is a groove baked at 102 BPM.

On “Absent In Spring”, sung by Roberta Gentile, the background horns are the subtle secondary ingredient used to carry the track. No synth patches here. Pure horns. Nicely done.

A highlight for me has been the three tracks sung by James Berkeley. Looks as if Bluey is looking for another “anchor vocal” for Incognito in addition to Maysa. That’s cool. Feature great talent when you have it.

But don’t forget the amazing track sung by Vanessa Haynes, “Still The One”. Silky smooth as only Haynes can deliver it. A warm “stevie” harmonica sound really anchors this piece. Well done, Vanessa. Can’t wait to hear this live.

The remaining tracks feature great vocalists that collectively contribute to another solid Incognito album. Fourteen songs are a LOT of music. But that’s OK. Bluey continues to hit the bar once again with album number eighteen – and it does not disappoint.

Enjoy “Tomorrow’s New Dream”.

– Eddy Cabello, IMC Co-host