If there’s one thing to describe British acid jazz band Incognito’s Manila show, it is this: a fun night filled with nostalgia.
On Sunday, the New Frontier Theater transformed into some sort of a giant time machine as Filipino fans of the British acid jazz band were transported back in time when the popular 70s jazz band, Incognito, hit the stage for their Manila concert. This is the second time that the band has performed for their Filipino fans after a decade.
But Incognito’s Manila show was more than just their much-anticipated return to the Philippine stage; it was also a celebration as the British acid jazz band marked their 45th anniversary as a band since bursting into the music scene in 1979.
During the concert, Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, the band’s frontman and the sole remaining original member, expressed his gratitude to their Filipino fans for welcoming them and supporting them over the decades.
“Thank you for being the people that you are. Thank you for the embraces over these years,” said the band leader. “We have 19 studio albums to this date. And tonight, we’re gonna take you on a little journey, and we’re going to go right back to the very beginning.”
And true to Bluey’s words, fans were transported back in time as Incognito performed a number of fan-favorite hits, including “Parisienne Girl” and “Talkin’ Loud.”
A combination of older and more recent tracks were also performed by the band, namely “When the Sun Comes Down,” “Everyday,” “Still a Friend of Mine,” and “1993.”
The venue even turned into one giant dance floor as Bluey encouraged the fans to stand up and dance the night away as they performed “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing,” “Deep Waters,” “Always There,” and “Night Over Egypt.”
Aside from performing some of their greatest hits, the band also showcased their incredible individual talents and musicianship, including Filipino-American multi-instrumentalist Ethan Santos who plays the trombone for the band.
Amazed by the enthusiasm and warmth they received from the fans, Bluey praised them for making the night more memorable than it was.
“Filipinos just love music. Fifty percent of you are musicians and singers. I’ve been to so many countries where I stopped by a restaurant or a shopping mall because I’ve heard somebody playing records of Incognito or so I thought. Then I looked through a window, or looked over a balcony to find a live Filipino band playing Incognito on cruise ships, in hotel lobbies,” Bluey shared. “They are everywhere, and I’m so grateful to them.”
“Your voices and your smiles will stay in our hearts as we travel the world. And when asked, ‘What’s your favorite place to play the music?’ We will confidently say, ‘The Philippines,’” he beamingly said to the crowd.
“You guys have welcomed us and you’ve opened your arms and opened your hearts to us. We have reminded you how soulful life can be with your presence. Thank you for being the people that you are,” he continued.
Formed in 1979 in London by Bluey and Paul “Tubbs” Williams, Incognito is known for its smooth blend of jazz, funk, and soulful sound as their signature style, catapulting them to success.
The band has included some notable figures in the music scene, including the likes of Jocelyn Brown, Maysa Leak, Imaani Saleem, Carleen Anderson, Natalie Williams, and Cheri V, among others.
Today, Incognito’s current lineup consists of Vanessa Haynes, Deborah Bond, Tony Momrelle, Francis Hylton, Charlie Allen, Chicco Allotta, Francesco Mendolia, João Caetano, Paul Booth, Sid Gauld, and Ethan Santos.
Incognito Live in Manila was presented by Ovation Productions.