| CD REVIEW |
| Vancouver band Incognito has got a winner on their hands with this no-nonsense bag of goodies destined to become the stress-reliever of the new millenium. From the first funked-up notes (by Bob "El Magnifico" Popowich on bass) of Little Milton's "That's What Love Will Do", you just know you're in for a smooth ride, and sure enough the boys deliver the merchandise! As well as including covers by Bonnie Bramlett and Eric Clapton ("Bad Boy"), Despenza/ Wolfolk ("Change My Mind") and an absolutely sassy version of Jimmy Rogers' "Walking By Myself", the CD is chock-full of beautifully crafted, dance-oriented originals composed variously by its producer-lead-vocalist-guitarist-harpman Oliver Conway and bandmate Robbie Montgomery (guitars, vocals, percussion). Guest rhythm guitarist James Hewett also collaborates with Conway on the blues-rocker "Objects in the Mirror". The overall sound definitely fits in with the U.S. Northwest Blues identity (centered in Seattle, WA, but encompassing the Greater Vancouver Area), concentrating more on high-end rhythm than fancy lead guitar solos that often get lost in their own brilliance. There's something about pairing up a Hammond B3 (Mike Kalanj) with a blues harmonica that just exudes sensuality, especially on "The Man", a laid-back blues tune similar to Z.Z. Top's "Blue Jean Blues". Kenny Boychuk also takes turns with Mike on the B3 on several of the tracks, notably on "Walking By Myself". Drummer Bob Woods, Bob on bass and Robbie Montgomery get to incorporate their versatility with some cool jazz-blues vibes with a touch of reggae on Robbie's instrumental "Evening at Porteau". Overall, it's a sexy collection of old and soon-to-be classic R&B tunes, but the boys sure can rock when they want to, as well ("Getaway" and "Objects in the Mirror"). I also liked the way the tracks were arranged on the CD to create an ebb-and-flow effect throughout and then ending in a crashing crescendo, and "Waterfall", a soulful ballad, is nicely placed as the centrepiece. This is one of those CDs where the songs sound instantly familiar and appealing, like when a woman sees a piece of clothing in a window and recognizes it as a "perfect fit". They may be "incognito" for the moment (their website, listed as www.incognitoband.com, seems to be missing in action), but I'm sure that won't be for long! N.B. October 2005 - I've tracked them down at Sonic Bids - here's the link: www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.asp?epk_id=8790 |
| FOUR - INCOGNITO |
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