Britain's Incognito is known the world over for its low-key blend ofsultry smooth jazz dance rhythms and upbeat soul-inspired melodies. AsVOA's Doug Levine tells us, the band's disposition remains sunny as wehear on their new album Tales From The Beach.

Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick

If a song like"Happy People" makes you think of balmy breezes on a lush tropicalisland, it's no accident. Just ask Incognito founder, producer andguitarist Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, who describes the album as atribute to his native country Mauritius.

Bluey got his firsttaste of music from the beaches of Mauritius, a tiny island off thecoast of Madagascar. While he was drawn to the sounds of StevieWonder, Marvin Gaye and Santana, his favorite pastime was watchinglocal musicians playing surfside.  

"I spent a lot of timelistening to the hotel bands, or the bands playing around the bonfiresand cookouts," he says.

Incognito band members

For inspiration in the making of Tales FromThe Beach, Bluey returned to some of his favorite beaches around theworld, to, as he puts it, "let the music flow."       
Incognito'smusic has been flowing for almost three decades. Its multi-culturallineup has undergone various changes over the years, but the group hasalways delivered a steady output of new releases and world tours.

Infact, touring is almost a necessity. Since early-2007, Incognito hasperformed in over 25 countries, including a bittersweet concert inMauritius. It was Bluey's first visit there since moving with hisfamily to London when he was 10 years old.