Fusing cosmic jazz with funk, house and hip-hop grooves for a bastardisation of sounds commonly refered to as ‘Wu Funk’, Kamaal’s work has been celebrated for reinvigorating the London jazz and soul scene in recent years. The musician also enjoys a large following in Australia, particuarly within Melbourne’s neo-soul community, and is also known for making electronic music and DJing under the Henry Wu moniker.
Wu Hen, which is set for release on Friday July 24 by Black Focus / Inertia Music, refers to Kamaal’s Taiwanese heritage, with the record tracing a path of Kamaal’s spiritual lineage from birth till today. The Peckham artist discussed Wu Hen’s underpinnings in a statement released today, saying that the album “is is a revolution of the mind. A spiritual rebellion: To reach new heights requires separating ourselves from the material world and finding power in what’s intangible.
“That’s what music and art is for – whether it’s a primitive emotion or something deep, you feel it. And there’s a subliminal element that resonates throughout my work. If you’re painting, it’s what you’re feeling as you’re painting. And the person looking at that artwork or listening to that music, they can feel it too, because it’s sincere.”
Wu Hen is set to feature collaborations with instrumental heavyweights such as Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Rick Leon James on bass, Greg Paul on drums, Quinn Mason on saxophone and harp contributions from Alina Bzhezhinska. Kamaal has also shared the album’s first single, ‘One More Time’, which you can listen to below.
Kamaal William’s new album Wu Hen arrives on Friday July 24 via Black Focus / Inertia Music.
