Kazemde George - I Insist [CD] (ONLINE ORDER ONLY)

I Insist is the debut album from Brooklyn-based saxophonist and composer Kazemde George. The title is a shout-out to Max Roachs landmark 1960 protest album We Insist! Freedom Now Suite, a statement of Georges 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 Georges interest in music of the African diaspora. Understanding features a Cuban chang¸Ì-inspired groove. Haiti originates from one of Georges 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.

1. Things Line Up 2. Coasts 3. Balance 4. Skylight 5. Haiti 6. I Insist 7. Happy Birthday 8. Parkside 9. This Spring 10. Understanding

• Format Detail: CD 4-panel Digipak
• Format: CD
• Genre: Jazz