Song of the Day: Kamaal Williams - Stings

London's jazz pianist and composer Kamaal Williams new song Stings, from his forthcoming third studio album under the same title, set to release on September 27, 2023, under Black Focus Records.

The album is expected to integrate more oriental imagery and add more melodic elements. Williams reportedly began composing the album on a newly purchased upright piano during the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was recorded in Los Angeles and Chicago in early 2022. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson will be featured on the record as an arranger. The visuals for Stings were designed by Sascha Lobe and Kimberly Lloyd.

On 29 March 2023, Williams gave an exclusive performance of the album's songs at a Roland store in London. The second single PKKNO was released alongside the track listing announcement of Stings, but as a non-album single with two other tracks, Magnolia II and The Last Symphony / Magnolia (Vocal).

Williams’ musical style relies on improvisation, including elements of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM which he dubs “Wu Funk”. As he once said: Wu funk is just a way of describing my sound. Wu is my family name. I’m half Taiwanese, so using Wu connects my heritage. And then Wu funk speaks to the funk element of my music.

Listen to Kamaal Williams new song Stings, from his forthcoming third studio album Stings:

Kamaal Williams, born as Henry Wu, is a British musician and record producer. He began his career producing house and broken-beat music as Henry Wu. However, he rose to prominence as Yussef Kamaal, a London-based jazz-funk duo consisting of drummer Yussef Dayes and Kamaal on Rhodes piano and synth. They released their debut studio album, Black Focus, on November 4, 2016, under Brownswood Recordings. The album is characterized by its “spontaneity and flow” and draws influence from electronic music of British origin.

From our blog: ALBUM PICKS: YUSSEF DAYES – BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC [BROWNSWOOD RECORDINGS]

Yussef Kamaal’s debut album, Black Focus, has been described as having a culturally diverse palette and received universal acclaim from music. The duo broke up shortly after the release of the album, with Dayes’ visa being revoked under the Trump administration when they were scheduled to perform in the United States.

Following the Yussef Kamaal’s breakup, Williams released his debut solo album, The Return, in 2018, which was considered a sequel to Black Focus, and Wu Hen in 2020

Watch the below video for Kamaal Williams new song Stings, from his forthcoming third studio album Stings: