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By track 3, “Summer in the City”, I was aware of the fact that this album was going to be cover heavy.  Incognito’s BEES+THINGS+FLOWERS is an acid-jazz lover’s perfect cover album of older generation hits.  The Lovin’ Spoonful, Earth, Wind & Fire, and America all get a new jazz/fusion treatment via Incognito’s brainchild, Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick.  Bluey even covers some of his older Incognito hits like “Always There”- which, oddly enough, was a cover of cover to begin with(and if I must say, an incredibly gay dance number).  What’s redeeming about all this retread is that it sounds completely extrapolated from the original material, to the point that it took an overtly recognizable chorus in “Summer in the City” to hit me to the obvious conclusion that this is a cover album.

UK’s Incognito is a name key to the progression of the acid-jazz movement that began in the 1980’s, layering traditional jazz/funk composition with  electronic/dance music.  Incognito’s prolific collection of prior albums showcased that trademark sound.  However, on BEES+THINGS+FLOWERS, the electronic/dance element is displaced; practically non-existent.  Here, Bluey treats his fans to stripped down, acoustic arrangements punctuated some of the time with a robust string section.  What this one man band (Bluey sings, plays various instruments, and records, as well) does is creates an environment in which he can totally train the array of guest talent into innovative grooves on old material. 

If you want Incognito that makes you feel less gay and more insightful about the various hybrid forms that acid jazz has taken lately, by all means, give this one a listen.  If you’re looking for that patented and remixed Incognito dance number that’s been blasting in all your favorite sausage factories, you should then refer to previous studio recordings.