kamaal williams: stings
Francisco Espregueira
Stings is the latest album from the one and only Kamaal Williams, marking another groundbreaking chapter in his genre-blurring musical journey. Widely recognized for his pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of UK jazz with the game-changing Yussef Kamaal’s Black Focus (2016) with Yussef Dayes, which started a journey in the artist’s output then developed in two amazing projects: The Return (2018) and Wu Hen (2020). Kamaal Williams has continued to push boundaries under his own name and his club-oriented alias, Henry Wu - marking a generation of electronic jazz aficionados.
Comprised by 13 tracks, Stings was born during the tumultuous period of the pandemic, with Kamaal Williams crafting its musicality through extensive solo sessions at an upright piano. These creative voyages unfolded across iconic American cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, enriched by the masterful arrangements of Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. Released via his own Black Focus Records, the record expands with its sublime musicianship - from the strings in “The Last Symphony” or “City Of God”, passing by the undeniable coolness and groove of “Stings”, “Dogtown” and “Repercussions”, ending with the enchanting melodies of “Taiwan”, “Ronan” and “Magnolia”. The album's lead single, “PKKNO,” is another highlight, as a powerful testament to Kamaal’s unceasing journey into uncharted musical realms, promising yet another captivating evolution in his ever-evolving and ground-breaking discography. Available on Bandcamp and digital platforms. We’ll wait for the vinyl - to play it now, in 5, 10, 20, 50 years.
“You thought you knew me,
now think again”