Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick has been at the helm of legendary British jazz-funk outfit Incognito for more than a quarter of a century. While band members and featured vocalists have been a rotating cast, the super-producer has ensured that, over the years, their output has maintained a quality and consistency that few can match. Aside from Incognito's extensive discography, Bluey has had a hand in a number of side projects, collaborating with the likes of Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder, Dira, George Benson and most recently producing for Mario Biondi's latest LP, Sun. Later this month he will finally step out on his own and release his debut solo project, Leap Of Faith, which he has written, produced and provided vocals for. The first two should come as no surprise, but on the vocal front we have heard little from him until now, apart from one or two under-the-radar spots on previous Incognito albums. If the album's first single, "Take A Chance On Me," is anything to go by then we will have nothing to worry about as he handles the sunny, light-jazz groove like a true professional. He may not possess the pipes of Tony Momrelle or Maysa, but Bluey certainly knows how to make the most of what God gave him.
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