I Insist

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 unapologetic-ally swinging and fully engaged, whether simmering on a low flame or reaching climactic heights of intensity.