Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Heads Up International signed an exclusive recording agreement with Incognito, the UK-based neo-soul group that mixes multicultural grooves with their American soul and funk roots.
Incognito will make its Heads Up debut with Tales From The Beach scheduled for release on June 24.
While the Incognito lineup may change frequently to capture whatever vibe group founder Jean-Paul Maunick, also known as Bluey, is seeking on any given project, many of the current key members have been in place for several years, including drummer Richard Bailey, bassist Francis Hylton and keyboardist Matt Cooper. Vocalists Tony Momrelle, Joy Rose and Imaani have also been regulars for the past four years.
Recorded in Italy, Germany, Indonesia and London, Tales From The Beach is a 15-track set. The album title is a reference to Maunick’s musical evolution since his childhood in Mauritius, an island near Southern Africa. “When I was a kid, my first taste of music came from the beaches,” he said. “I spent a lot of time listening to the hotel bands, or the bands playing around the bonfires and cookouts. It’s a small island, so there were beaches everywhere. I was always watching live musicians play. So for inspiration for this album, I went back to various beaches around the world – in Italy, Indonesia and elsewhere – and just let the music flow.”
More info: headsup.com
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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