Kazemde George | Things Line Up - Live video
Here's a live version of the first single from saxophonist Kazemde George's debut album 'I Insist', which will be released on October 22nd.
‘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
Videographer: Nina Kalna
Video editing: Eugene Pugachov
Posted September 27, 2022
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