Live

Incognito 35th Anniversary: Shepherd's Bush Empire 12/7/14

THIRTY five years is a long time to stay at the top in the music industry. So it was little surprise there was a celebratory feeling at the Shepherds Bush Empire as Jazz / soul / funk collective Incognito celebrated reaching the impressive landmark. Since the heady days of 1979, when the act was formed, Incognito have been at the forefront of the British soul scene, with a lengthy back catalogue to highlight their longevity.

Billed as a show by ‘Incognito and Friends’, founding member Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick revealed to the audience – an eclectic mixture of ages – that it would be the act’s last London show for some time. Warm and charismatic, Bluey was in his element introducing the tracks from the past 35 years, his relaxed style bringing a gravitas to proceedings. “The old man’s losing it,” he said after launching into an anecdote one track too early. But from the band’s polished performance, there is no doubt that the 57-year-old was FAR from losing it.

The group took to the stage to “The 25th Chapter”, an early opportunity to show off “Bluey’s” well-rehearsed direction, as all the musicians fell into a tight groove which quickly drew in the audience. The decade-old track gave way to latest release “Hats”, as vocalist Tony Momrelle took the stage to deliver the first of many soulful performances.

Group member Vanessa Haynes took over lead vocals on the sultry “Silver Shadow” as the act showed off their versatility. Crowd favourites “Hands Up”, “Ain’t It Time”, “It’s Just Another One Of Those Things” and “Roots” followed, before the first of the ‘Friends’, soul songstress Imaani, took to the stage. She delivered a belting version of “Still A Friend of Mine”, and “Rapture”.

An incredible percussion solo gave way to guest vocalist Mo Brandis’ rendition of “Goodbye To Yesterday”. Then Carleen Anderson took to the stage for performances of “Tin Man” and “Another Way”. Always an impassioned and animated vocalist, she performed with an intensity which kept the crowd engrossed.

More favourites from Incognito’s lengthy discography followed, with “Brazilian Love Affair” drawing a big reaction from the audience before Italian soul singer Mario Biondi took to the stage to perform “Lowdown”.

Although the band had riches of material to choose from, “Blue” introduced his homage to Stevie Wonder, with group vocalist Tony Momrelle leading a stunning performance of “As”.

Imaani reappeared onstage to take on lead vocals in “Always There” to great effect, before all the musicians piled onto stage to cover “Harvest For The World”.

It was an impressive affair, with 21 musicians onstage for the finale, all of them a crucial cog in the Incognito machine.

There was a sombre moment as “Bluey” paid tribute to fellow founding member Paul “Tubbs” Williams, who died in 2007. Yet it was a performance bourne from the sheer joy of performing music – throughout the two-and-a-half-hour set, band members rarely let the smiles fall from their faces.

This is an act whose members love what they do, and do it well. Thirty five years may have passed since the collective was first put together, with members coming and going ever since, but it is clearly a star that is a long way from burning out.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke