JEAN-PAUL “BLUEY” MAUNICK
GUITAR / VOCAL / SONGWRITER / PRODUCER
Mauritius born British guitarist, composer, record producer Bluey has founded and led the British acid jazz band Incognito since its formation in 1979. With Incognito, he has released fifteen studio albums as well as a number of live albums, remix albums and compilation albums. Released his first solo album in 2013 and the second one in 2015.
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He has collaborated with an endless list of international artists, including George Benson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Hamish Stuart, Al McKay, Phillip Bailey, Leon Ware, Brenda Russell, George Duke, Paul Weller, Al Jarreau, Marcus Miller, Lulu, Anastasia, Ed Motta, Terry Callier, Miki Imai, Mario Biondi and many more.
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© Photo by Marc Albert Photography www.marcalbertphoto.com
JIM MULLEN
GUITAR
4 times winner of British Jazz Awards on Guitar was born in Glasgow in 1945. He is a jazz guitarist with a distinctive style, like Wes Montgomery before him, picking with the thumb rather than a plectrum.
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Jim’s career spans over 40 years, during which time he has worked with some of the music greats Pete Brown, Brian Auger, Vinegar Joe, Claire Martin, Gene Harris, Mose Allison, Jimmy Smith, Wedon Irvine, Percy Sledge, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson, Jimmy Witherspoon and Terry Callier, to name but a few.
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Actually the connection with Callier is where Bluey comes into the picture as producer of the album Speak Your Peace.
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More recently Jim featured on Mario Biondi‘s Shine On album, another Bluey production. Jim also featured at the now legendary Mario Biondi and Incognito Royal Albert Hall show.
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He has also recorded and toured with Kokomo and The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart as well as his fifteen year association with sax player Dick Morrissey as the legendary funk band ‘Morrissey Mullen'.
DOMINIC GLOVER
TRUMPET
Dominic Glover is an experienced and much sought after trumpet player, who has studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and has subsequently gone on to perform with many well known acts in music including US3, The James Taylor Quartet, Incognito, The Brand New Heavies, The Mavericks, Katie Melua and Orbital to name a few
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He also has multiple recording credits to his name including; ‘Rockferry‘ (Duffy), ‘Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful‘ (Paloma Faith), ‘Affirmation‘ (Beverly Knight), ‘Songs For You, Truths For Me‘ (James Morrison) , ‘Piece By Piece‘ (Katie Melua), ‘Statues‘ (Moloko), ‘Superstylin’ (which he scored for and performed with Groove Armada), ‘Gorillaz‘ (Gorillaz) and the recent Helping Haiti Single ‘Everybody Hurts’.
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Dominic also composes Production Library music (background music for TV & Radio/Theme Tunes/Adverts) for the likes of Universal, EMI & the BBC.
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As Bluey puts it… “In Dominic you don’t just get an amazing trumpeter, but someone who is more informed about Soul Jazz and Funk than most. An avid collector of rare vinyl singles and albums, Dom does not keep all these treasures to himself, he shares his discoveries with us all on YouTube and the web.
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His knowledge serves him well in the studio as he can at any moment embellish his on creativity with references from his wide reaching collection. His arranging skills are incredible and has served many bands and artists very well over the years. His great sense of style goes way beyond the sharp cool exterior to the soulful heart at the core of his music”.
© Photo by Marc Albert Photography www.marcalbertphoto.com
MATT COOPER
KEYBOARDS
Matt Cooper came to prominence in the 1990’s through his first music project “OUTSIDE” (producing and releasing with Dorado Records), which helped him gain a worldwide reputation and international critical acclaim (OUTSIDE’s ‘To Forgive But Not Forget’ has gone on to become a Drum and Bass standard).
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Matt has toured the world extensively, performing with acts such as David Sylvian, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, CeeLo Green, Chaka Khan, Anastacia, and Lulu, Mario Biondi, Dionne Bromfield, Jason Derulo, Deborah Bond, The PB Underground, Omar and Incognito (joined in 2002). He is the musical director for Incognito, and has co-written and co-produced the last six albums released by this legendary Jazz-Funk band.
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Matt is a sought after writer and producer in his own right, working with such respected artists as Freddie Hubbard, Sly & Robbie, Paul Weller, Jill Scott, Bebel Gilberto, Miguel Megs, Masters At Work, Rasaan Patterson, Donald Byrd, Don Blackman, Terry Callier, Ronnie Laws, Russell Watson and Shalamar, to name but a few.
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Matt has also produced D*Note’s last 4 albums and Jhelisa Anderson’s (Carleen Anderson’s cousin) debut album Galactica Rush. Further recording success has come with fellow collaborator Jez Colin (who has produced/remixed Bjork, Sade and Stevie Wonder), on a new latin dance project aptly named ’The Latin Project’ featuring Terence Trent D’Arby (aka Sananda Maitreya), the first single of which was remixed by Masters At Work and Incognito and has since been nominated for a Grammy in the Remix category as well as hitting No. 1 in the Billboard Club/Radio Play Chart.
© Photo by Jose Lasheras alexdobbin.co.uk/jose
FRANCIS HYLTON
BASS
Francis Hylton much to most people’s amazement only started playing the bass guitar when he was 19. A late bloomer for a bassist of such international stature.
His professional career began in the 1990’s playing bass for the legendary Acid Jazz outfit Galliano, featuring on albums including ‘4‘ and ‘Live At The Liquid Room‘ and with whom he toured Europe, Asia and Australia extensively. Following the break up of Galliano, Francis went on to work with numerous Pop and R’n’B artists from the late 90’s including the late Lynden David Hall. It was during this time that Francis expanded his repertoire into World Music, touring with artists such as The Afro Celt Sound System.
Since 2005, Francis has been the bassist for Legendary UK Jazz Funk band Incognito, forming a formidable writing partnership with Band Leader Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick and Musical Director Matt Cooper. To date, Francis has recorded five studio albums and multiple singles with Incognito and he continues to tour the world with them.
Bluey first worked with Francis on a tour of Japan to promote The Para:Diso album, Paradise II Paranoia and Ski Oakenfull‘s second Rising Son solo album, playing bass and synthesisers.
A multi instrumentalist, writer, arranger and programmer, Francis brings much more to the table than the bass guitar. Check out his contribution on Incognito’s “Step Aside” and you’ll understand!
Francis has also recorded and toured with Italian rock legend Gianna Nannini. He cites his influences as Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius, Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, Chuck Rainey, Bernard Edwards, Mark Adams, Anthony Jackson, Davide Romani, and Prince.
If you ever get the chance to hang out with him after a show at the karaoke bar , you are likely to get a burst of his very convincing David Bowie impression! “Let’s dance”…
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© Photo by Peter Fulop Photography peetphoto.com
DRUMS
Francesco Mendolia studied at the Academy of Music, Santa Cecilia, Rome, Italy and later refined his technique under the tutelage of influential international drummers such as: Bernard Purdie, Clyde Stubblefield, Billy Cobham, Horacio Hernandez, Dennis Chambers, Gacin Harrison, Bobby Durham, Tommy Campbell, Peter Erskine, Gene Jackson, Dave Weckl, Ian Paice and Mel Gaynor.
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Francesco has performed with an impressive array of renowned artists such as The Ennio Morricone Orchestra, Imagination and Leee John, Jack Savoretti, Atmosfear, Maysa Leak, Jocelyn Brown, Leon Ware, Mario Biondi, Sun Energy and El Topo. In 2008, Francesco became the resident drummer of Incognito – with whom he has toured extensively and has recorded on 4 studio albums. He is also currently the drummer in the touring Michael Jackson musical ‘Thriller Live‘.
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In 2008, Matt Cooper recommended that Bluey check him out. Francesco took Bluey’s advise to move to the UK and with the help of Matt set up camp in London where he proceeded to expand his musical horizons and establishing himself as one of the most sought after on the European scene today. “He is a hard working dynamic character with boundless energy” says Bluey.
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Francesco has also helped to create a more vibrant music scene in London as he spearheads his now legendary jams sessions at the Caipirinha Bar in Archway. The sessions showcases London’s finest musicians and singers alongside all the new faces we should be looking out for. Francesco Mendolia aka the Facebook Killer, aka the Chewing Gum Assassin… Nuff said!
© Photo by Peter Fulop Photography peetphoto.com
PERCUSSION
João Caetano, born and raised in Macau to Portuguese parents, is a world-class drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter and producer. At the age of 18 he moved to the U.K, to study music at Chichester University and today still provides support to educational music projects. At the beginning of his career, João Caetano joined the legendary band Incognito at the age of 21. He has since completed six world tours and four albums as a core member of the band. He has collaborated and recorded over 30 studio albums and worked with global artists such as Chaka Khan, Mario Biondi, Anastasia, Leona Lewis, Jessie J, and Dionne Bromfield.
João is constantly reinventing tradition through his playing, with vivid dynamism, energy, intensity and technique.
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© Photo by Martin Cohen
GUITAR
Francisco graduated in Jazz from Lisbon’s Conservatory of Music, and his trademark is the virtuoso pedal work that bends and shapes acoustic or electric guitars into beautifully detailed soundscapes inspired by his trips throughout the world.
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A London resident since 2013, Francisco was fortunate enough to meet a veteran musician that became a patron and supporter: Jean-Paul Maunick, aka Bluey, leader of the legendary acid/modern-jazz band Incognito. Bluey presented Francisco’s first album “Valediction”, performed live at Tokyo’s Blue Note club, and eventually invited him to join Incognito’s live line-up as guitarist.
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Francisco has performed with Incognito, Chaka Khan, Omar and Natalie Williams and his trips and experiences have inspired his second album “Miles Away”: music he wrote “at home, inspired by the trips I took to places, cities, countries I had never visited. And you only realise how inspiring it was when you come back home. Your home looks the same, but you are a richer, fuller person.”
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Francisco is sponsored by Gibson Japan, Elixir Strings and Boss Pedals.
© Photo by Peter Fulop Photography peetphoto.com
VOCALS
“When I was at school, I was always chosen to perform in the choir and my friends would constantly ask me to sing in the playground. That’s how I discovered I had a passion for it... I come from a musical family. My uncles had a band when I was growing up and I used to sneak into their rehearsals in my Grandma’s basement and long to be a part of it”
It wasn’t until Nottingham born Imaani moved to London in her late teens, that a chance meeting with a record producer led to her first recording. Her first paid gig was dancing as a shadow in one of Jocelyn Brown’s videos. She never looked back!
Imaani has performed on television, in the studio, and live with artists including Nile Rodgers, Chaka Khan, Maceo Parker, Philip Bailey, Jimmy Cliff, UB40, Gloria Gaynor, Incognito, Betty Wright, Mica Paris, Stephen Marley, Julian Marley, Leon Ware and Aswad.
Her lead vocal features on the Urban Species album "Blanket", Reel People’s ‘Seven ways to wonder’ album and Down to the Bone’s album 'The Main Ingredients'. Imaani also appears on twelve Incognito albums including "Beneath The Surface", "Bees & Things & Flowers, 'Surreal', 'Amplified Soul'. As a long-term member of Incognito, she has also completed several world tours and continues to tour extensively with the band.
“One of the most wonderful and memorable voices...” Bluey (Incognito)
Imaani has also had British chart success with Tru Faith & Dub Conspiracy’s 'Freak Like Me' and has featured on nine singles for dance outfit Copyright with tracks including anthems like 'Wizeman' and 'Nobody'. Her tracks with The Layabouts, 'Fearless' and 'Too Late' feature on their album 'Future Retro. Both of her solo house music singles, 'Found My Light' and 'Live Without Love' placed No.1 Traxsource download chart.
“…Imaani’s beautiful vocals are the standout element” JjazzproJect
Imaani's solo album 'Standing Tall' is out on Dome Records.
VOCALS
Being at the helm of the most successful residency of a world renowned music venue is a feat to be admired. Natalie Williams’ Soul Family Sundays has had a monthly residency at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club for the past 11 years, selling out regularly every single month and having played to over 40 thousand very enthusiastic soul fans over those years…
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Natalie Williams herself boasts an accomplished career of recording and entertaining. She has recorded seven studio albums, garnering a MOBO nomination for best Soul opposite Sade, Plan B and Corinne Bailey Rae. Moreover, Williams has performed at venues all over the world – including the London Jazz Festival, Love Supreme and Glastonbury Festivals, The Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, O2 arena and has toured in Japan, Asia, America and Europe - both as a solo artist and as a vocalist with jazz-funk sensation, Incognito. In 2017 she participated in the Blue Note Caribbean Jazz Cruise with the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Band (alongside the likes of Gregory Porter, Diane Reeves and Marcus Miller), in addition to touring with Belgian pianist Eric Legnini.
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Throughout her career, Natalie, has also collaborated as a featured artist with various producers, artists and musicians and her single, ‘Adore You’ from D&B producer, Goldie’s, recent album gained rave reviews worldwide. In addition to Goldie, Natalie, has also worked extensively with DJ, Nu:Tone, on Hospital Records, Shy FX, Beardyman and has performed with and alongside amazing artists such as Jamie Cullum, Amy Winehouse, Lalah Hathaway, The Heritage Orchestra, Bugz In The Attic, John Legend, Babyface, Kurt Elling, Mario Biondi and many more…Although mainly known as a solo artist, Natalie has also enjoyed singing backing vocals for Cee-Lo Green, Ed Sheeran, Laura Mvula and Keri Hilson.
She supported the legendary Herbie Hancock on the Queen Mary 2 crossing from Southampton to New York and her latest album ‘Kaleidoscope’ was greatly supported by Jazz Fm who play-listed her duet with the virtuosic multi-instrumentalist and Grammy winning artist, Jacob Collier, on Billy Joel’s ‘For The Longest Time’.
2017 and 2018 saw her touring as a special gust with the amazing Young Voices (the largest kids choir in the world), performing at the amazing London O2 Arena, Manchester, Sheffield and Birmingham Arenas for over 40 dates.
MO HAUSLER
SOUND ENGINEER
*COLLABORATORS - PEOPLE OF TOMORROW (2013)
RICHARD BULL
CO-WRITER / CO-PRODUCER / MUSICIAN / PROGRAMMER / RECORDING & MIXING ENGINEER
Detroit born guitarist, songwriter, programmer and producer has over thirty years of experience in the music industry and a wide range of skills.
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While guitar is his main instrument, he has gained a reputation for world-class programming, specialising in bass guitar and drums. Incognito’s 1992 landmark album, ‘Tribes, Vibes & Scribes‘, embodies some fine examples of his unique expertise. More recently, Richard co-wrote, co-produced, recorded and mixed Bluey‘s first solo album, the critically acclaimed ‘Leap of Faith', which showcases his combined talents for songwriting, programming and production.
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His list of credits includes: eight albums with Incognito, six albums with Acoustic Alchemy (including the Grammy nominated ‘AArt’), George Benson, Basia, Maysa Leak, Light of the World, Maxi Priest, Hamish Stuart, Chaka Khan, Anastacia, Lulu, Guida de Palma, Miki Imai, Workshy, Sister Sledge, Mario Biondi and many others.
VALERIE ETIENNE
VOCALS
Valerie Etienne’s professional career stretches back over 25 years, during which time she has worked with some of the biggest names in music. Vocalist/Session/Live/Touring Credits include; Galiano (recording on all their albums), Paolo Nutini, Kylie Minogue, Katie Melua, Incognito, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, Boyzone!, Lenny Kravitz, Gabrielle, Domu, Restless Souls, Placebo, Ski Oakenfull, Zero 7, James Blunt, Al Jared, Leon Ware, and Omar.
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In 1999, she released her solo album “For What It’s Worth” when Galliano ended and toured in France supporting Keziah Jones.
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In addition to Citrus Sun, Valerie is a resident member of Two Banks of Four and Jamiroquai with whom she continues to tour the world on a regular basis, undertaking live and televised performances and recorded on all the recent albums.
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Valerie is a singer/songwriter with a wide ranging and eclectic taste who draws inspiration from her deep knowledge of the classics and is equally at home working on innovative cutting edge projects.
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COLLABORATORS - ANOTHER TIME ANOTHER SPACE (2000)
Karl Van Den Bossche I Congas, Percussion
Maxton G. Beesley, Jr. I Percussion
Thomas Dyani I Percussion
Andy Ross I Flute, Saxophone
Ed Jones I Saxophone
Graham Harvey I Keyboards
Gary Sanctuary I Keyboards
Richard Bailey I Drums
Julian Crampton I Bass
Gary Crockett I Bass
Tim Vine I Keyboards
Chris Robinson I Guitar
Neil Robinson I Drums
Dave Baldwin I Synthesiser
Matt Coleman I Trombone
Fayyaz Virji I Trombone
Simon Cotsworth I Engineer