Kamaal Williams - Wu Hen
Wu Hen is the sophomore album from Peckham visionary Kamaal Williams -- an invitation to elevate to a higher state. Cinematic strings from Miguel-Atwood Ferguson and virtuoso saxophone from Quinn Mason are textural additions that make for a deeper, multi-layered experience than previous releases.
Bringing groove back to the forefront, Wu Hen oscillates between celestial jazz, funk, rap and r&b reinforced with the rugged beat-heavy attitude of grime, jungle, house and garage – a self-styled fusion Kamaal describes as Wu Funk.
New players on this record include LA’s Greg Paul on drums (of Kalayst Collective), Rick Leon James on bass, Quinn Mason on saxophone alongside vocal features from cult rapper Mach-Hommy and Kaytranada collaborator Lauren Faith. Multi-talented renaissance musician Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (who has worked with Ray Charles, Flying Lotus, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Seu Jorge) contributes signature strings, which add vivid colour and rich depth, evoking vintage David Axelrod.
Kamaal rose to prominence with the hugely acclaimed Yussef Kamaal alongside drummer Yussef Dayes and a catalogue of 12”s for imprints such as MCDE, Eglo, and Rhythm Section as Henry Wu that became essential DJ tools. In 2018 he launched Black Focus Records with the Kamaal Williams debut The Return, which charted in the UK and saw sold out shows and festival appearances across Europe, North America and Asia.
TRACKLISTING
A1. Street Dreams (Feat. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson) A2. One More Time / 1989 (Feat. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson) A3. Toulouse (Feat. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson) / Pigalle B1. Big Rick / Save Me B2. Mr.Wu B3. Hold On (Feat. Lauren Faith) B4. Early Prayer
PRODUCT DETAILS
Artist: Kamaal Williams
Label: Black Focus
Condition: New
Genre: Jazz
Format: Vinyl LP
Cat Number: BFR007LP (Standard LP) BFR007LPR (Indies Exclusive LP)
Released: 24th July 2020
Available on Standard Black Vinyl LP and Very Limited Indies Exclusive Red Vinyl LP