Tribes Vibes & Scribes
Incognito's third album nods to the influences that ground their jazz-funk-and-soul jams. The 11-member band adds a Latin feel to a snazzy cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," while "Magnetic Ocean" has a Weather Report-in-ballad-mode vibe. "Change" combines Maysa Leak's Chaka Khan-like power with sweeping Soul II Soul-ish strings, and "Need to Know" gives props to Roy Ayers (check the clavinet) and Rick James (horn section). The band is at its best showcasing Leak or featuring soloists, as on "Colibri" and the Mandrill-ish "Closer to the Feeling." Still, some attempts fall flat, like the syrupy "L'Arc en Ciel de Miles" that's more Chuck Mangione than Prince of Darkness. This one's for smooth-jazz aficionados; Brit-funk fans should check the band's later fare.--Suzanne McElfresh