About

— 2LP Deluxe edition
— 5 exclusive bonus tracks
— Alternative cover artwork
— Limited to 500 copies worldwide

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Born in London and of Taiwanese descent, Kamaal Williams (aka Henry Wu) is the creator and founder of the London-based jazz duo Yussef Kamaal, and the album Black Focus reinstated a new wave of jazz in the United Kingdom.

Stings, which spans 11 tracks, is rooted in the South London jazz scene that birthed Kamaal, but “levitates into the impressionist symphonies of Claude Debussy,” we’re told, “and the cosmic realm of futuristic hip-hop and electronic beats”, [with the album's main body of work staying in the orchestral framework].

The album follows 2018’s The Return and 2020’s Wu Hen. It was recorded in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago over the first months of 2022. The project began during the pandemic. For the first time in his career, the Peckham-bred artist was fully independent. No label or booking agent in his ear. Time for isolation, reflection, and spirituality. — (via Resident Advisor)

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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. — (via Osotao)

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In a year when there were many stellar releases, Stings stands out for its depth and breadth of scenic imagery. Each song is part of a colorful tapestry, conjuring up calming feelings at one turn (The Last Symphony, Little River) to adrenaline pumping energy at another (Stings, Dogtown).

Kamaal, born Henry Wu, rose to fame in part due to his collaboration with Yussef Dayes as the combo Yussef Kamaal. For this album, he assembled an absolute monster crew of Miguel Atwood-Ferguson for string arrangements, Sharay Reed on bass, Stephanie Yu on violin, DJ Harrison, and Greg Paul on drums. — (via Funk City)

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Label: Black Focus Records
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Deluxe Edition, Stereo
Reissued: 2024 / Originally Released: 2023
Genre: Jazz, Electronic, Hip Hop, Funk / Soul, Classical
Style: Abstract, Acid Jazz, Avant-garde Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Modern / Future Jazz

File under: Modern / Future Jazz
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