Coming from London, Kamaal Williams has a unique musical vision in his mind that he wants to share with the world. As part of a tour promoting his solo project, it was time for Berlin to hear what he had been creating since Yussef Kamaal came to an end last year.
Under two separate projects, Kamaal Williams has already delivered us exceptional music that has caught the attention of many now eager fans. Under the moniker of Henry Wu, a sense of slow tempo, electronic beats have met us that are inspired by music all over the globe. And more recently, as a founding member of the duo, Yuussef Kamaal, he delivered a jazz inspired album with hints of hip-hop beats. Now it seems it is time for a slightly different direction and with only the one song released under the name of Kamaal Williams, this direction was undefined and a slight mystery.
Slow, jazzy melodies rippled through the excited audience and were accompanied by slow, appreciative swaying from the crowd.
In Gretchen, it was time for a packed hall to hear what Kamaal and his fellow musicians had in store for the world. Dressed in his now familiar bucket hat and glasses that is now so familiar, Kamaal Williams and band started the eagerly waiting crowd off with a slow, atmospheric opening. Slow, jazzy melodies rippled through the excited audience and were accompanied by slow, appreciative swaying from the crowd. Surrounded by keyboards and synths, Kamaal, along with his bassist and drummer, brought the tempo up for some more upbeat electronic infused jazz.
With the musicians mostly improvising, the communication and connection between all musicians seemed telepathic. Weaving in and out of rhythms and lead instruments, they gave us a show we could not have expected.
Kamaal and the boys on stage were simply jamming and it was highly appreciated
Breaking up his set with ramblings in his London accent, the excitement he felt to be here and to be playing to us shone through. An apology for all the improvisation was once dished out and a sense of immediate forgiveness was given back with cheers and applause. In the pure essence of true jazz, Kamaal and the boys on stage were simply jamming and it was highly appreciated.
Improvisation and interplay between all musicians offered an air of anticipation from the crowd from beginning to end. The uncertainty of it all was exhilarating. What Kamaal gave instead was sublime; a modern mix of jazz and funky electronic layers. Kamaal Williams is one to watch this year as he embarks on his new project.
