Incognito is a British acid jazz band founded in London in 1979 by guitarist, composer, producer, and vocalist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick together with bassist Paul "Tubbs" Williams. Formed as an offshoot of the influential funk group Light of the World, Incognito has grown into one of the defining acts of the British jazz-funk and acid jazz movement. For more than four decades, the band has blended jazz, soul, funk, and dance music into a distinctive sound that has earned worldwide recognition.
The group's debut album, Jazz Funk, was released in 1981, but its international breakthrough came during the early 1990s with the rise of the acid jazz movement. Throughout the band's history, Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick has remained its creative leader and only constant member. Rather than maintaining a fixed lineup, Incognito has evolved as a musical collective featuring numerous acclaimed vocalists and musicians, including Jocelyn Brown, Maysa Leak, Vanessa Haynes, Tony Momrelle, Imaani, and Carleen Anderson. This collaborative approach has allowed the band to continually reinvent its sound while maintaining a recognizable musical identity.
Incognito achieved major commercial success in 1991 with its cover of "Always There," featuring Jocelyn Brown, which reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the signature recordings of the acid jazz era. The following year, the band's interpretation of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" also became a UK chart hit, further establishing Incognito as one of the leading groups in contemporary soul and jazz. Over the years, the band has released numerous studio albums, remix collections, and live recordings, building one of the most extensive catalogues in the genre.
Beyond their own recordings, Incognito has collaborated with internationally respected producers and remixers including Masters at Work, David Morales, Roger Sanchez, and Jazzanova, extending their influence into the worlds of house and electronic music. The band has also contributed to charity projects organized by the Red Hot Organization, supporting awareness and fundraising efforts related to the AIDS epidemic.
In 2021, Incognito celebrated the 40th anniversary of its debut album with an expanded retrospective edition of Jazz Funk. A year later, the group became the first band to be honored in Universal Music's Black Story series, recognizing influential Black British artists. Renowned for exceptional musicianship, vibrant live performances, and an enduring commitment to musical innovation, Incognito continues to stand among the most respected and influential acts in British jazz, soul, and funk.
