OUT OF THE BLUE

OUT OF THE BLUE

<I>Out of the Blue</I> proves not only can Maysa be taken out of Incognito, but that Incognito can be taken out of Maysa. Her sterling voice may always be associated with the group, but the most dominant of all of Incognito's vocalists finally sheds the aura of the London-based band with her third album. This is a deeply personal, carefully constructed, made-in-America stew of sweet neo-soul and urban funk, with a dash of acid jazz, all powered by the deep-throated singer from Baltimore. Fans of the Cogs, as Maysa calls them, will dig the opener, "Friendly Pressure," written by fellow Incognito vocalist Jhelisa Anderson; "Out of the Blue," where she actually quotes "Deep Water," the Incognito song that made her famous; and Sly Stone's '70s anthem, "Family Affair," which was produced by a rabid Japanese Incognito fan. On the other tracks, she exerts her own style. There are sweet harmonies on stirring ballads, her unique scatting style on upbeat boilers, and even a bit of Mary J. Blige-influenced drama on "Mr. So Damn Fine." The bomb is absolutely dropped on the Brazilian smoker "Simple Life," costarring Will Downing and guitarist Peter White. <I>--Mark Ruffin</I>