Go to → Kazemde George

Here's the second single from saxophonist Kazemde George's debut album 'I Insist'. It features lyrics written and performed by Sami Stevens. ‘I Insist’ is the debut album from Brooklyn-based saxophonist and composer Kazemde George. The title is a shout-out to Max Roach’s landmark 1960 protest album ‘We Insist! Freedom Now Suite,’ a statement of George’s own determined disposition as a Black American, and an acknowledgement of our turbulent times. Leading a quintet of stellar New York players - vocalist Sami Stevens, keyboardist Isaac Wilson, bassist Tyrone Allen II, and drummer Adam Arruda - the record is a vibrant collection of ten original compositions inspired by George’s interest in music of the African diaspora. “Understanding” features a Cuban changüí-inspired groove. “Haiti” originates from one of George’s own looped electronic beats. Stevens contributes lyrics to the laid-back “Skylight” and the somewhat sorrowful “Happy Birthday,” as well as wordless vocals to three others. The music is unapologetically swinging and fully engaged, whether simmering on a low flame or reaching climactic heights of intensity. Personnel: Kazemde George, tenor saxophone Sami Stevens, vocals Isaac Wilson, Wurlitzer and piano Tyrone Allen II, acoustic bass Adam Arruda, drums Production Credits: Executive Producer: Dave Douglas Produced by Kazemde George Recorded at Big Orange Sheep in Brooklyn, NY on December 11-12, 2019 Engineered Christopher Benham Mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington Photography by Kirsten Noelle Artwork by HAMO Graphic design by Lukas Frei Video shot and edited by Sami Stevens