Translation of the German review:

The British music group Incognito emerged from the band Light of the World in 1979, founded by guitarist, composer and producer Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick. Incognito's big breakthrough came in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the emerging acid jazz scene (elements of soul, funk and jazz). On the 1990 album Inside Life, the cover version of the song Always There with singer Jocelyn Brown became a hit. The following album Tribes, Vibes and Scribes contained the well-known Stevie Wonder cover Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing. Positivity from 1993 became one of the group's most successful albums with the song Still a Friend of Mine. The album 100° and Rising (1995) is characterized by a strong funk and soul influence. In the 1990s, Incognito became one of the leading acid jazz groups with their mix of instrumental virtuosity, jazzy arrangements and soulful vocals. Since the 2000s, Incognito has regularly released new albums and has remained on the market. The band has worked with various top-class singers and musicians, including Maysa Leak, Tony Momrelle, Imaani and Joy Rose. Bluey Maunick is still the creative head of Incognito today. The band is one of the most important representatives of acid jazz and has inspired many artists with its sound. Their energetic live performances are legendary and have earned them a worldwide fan base.

The sound design of the album STUDIO LIVE SESSION bears the unmistakable signature of Little Konzett, the owner of LITTLE BIG BEAT STUDIOS. The recording is carried by a stringent and clear bass line, which is particularly well received in this music. While the song Parisienne Girl introduces the album somewhat reservedly, Nothing Makes Me Feel Better creates a party atmosphere. This music is perfect for dancing. Roots (Back To A Way Of Life) is introduced with radiant brass sections and percussive elements; Natalie Duncan is brilliant with her voice. The title When The Sun Comes Down follows on directly from the previous track, this time with Tony Momrelle providing the vocals. Incognito's master mind Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick announces most of the songs and often tells little stories. With Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing comes the Stevie Wonder classic. Who isn't waiting for the legendary chorus variation right from the start? Singer Cheri V takes on this job and shines with impressive vocal moves. It's hit after hit: the 1993 hit by and with Chicco Allotta (vocals and keyboards) increases the enjoyment factor of this album once again. The instrumental solo interludes round off the song. A classic with immense appeal follows with As. Always There puts another crown on the party. These are wonderfully flowing and perfectly orchestrated songs. The album ends with a remarkable closing statement from Bluey Maunick.

With this master tape copy, no nuance ends up hidden. I discover new details every time I listen to it. This tape allows you to hear the exact atmosphere of the STUDIO LIVE SESSION. The sound is crisp, the instruments are clearly reproduced, and the lyrics are very easy to understand. The stereo stage has been mixed perfectly. Fortunately, you can rewind the tape and start the party all over again. It's great to hear a live concert in this quality on a recording. Chapeau!

Musicians:

Jean-Paul ”Bluey” Maunick: Vocals, Guitar

Francis Hylton: Bass & md

Cheri V: Vocals

Natalie Duncan: Vocals

Tony Momrelle: Vocals

Francesco Mendolia: Drums

João Caetano: Percussion

Charlie Allen: Lead Guitar

Chicco Allotta: Keyboards, Vocals

Ryan Quigley: Trumpet

Trevor Mires: Trombone

Paul Booth: Saxophone, Flute

Songs:

1. Parisienne Girl (taken from day 1): 03:40

2. Nothing Makes Me Feel Better: 05:30

3. Roots (Back To A Way Of Life): 05:10

4. When The Sun Comes Down: 05:10

5. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing: 05:50

6. 1993: 08:00

7. As: 05:20

8. Always There (taken from day 1): 06:40

Total playing time: 45:20

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)