Khu.éex’, Roger Fernandes

Led by bassist Preston Singletary, large Seattle ensemble Khu.éex’ forge a unique fusion of robust funk, fiery, Pharoah-esque jazz, and Tlingit vocalizing and storytelling. Their sonic integrity was further verified by the inclusion of the late Funkadelic/Talking Heads/Praxis keyboardist Bernie Worrell, who appears on their 2016 debut LP, The Wilderness Within, which was engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Randall Dunn. The album’s an intense suite of songs that soars with a profound spirituality and exudes celebratory vibrations. Local sax maniac Skerik contributes searing solos and Worrell delivers his trademark groovy/churchy swells and baroque vamps; the whole thing has the air of a ritual that encourages both sacred and hedonistic urges. It’s astounding to ponder that Khu.éex’ cut so much material with Worrell that they’ll be releasing a triple LP next February, They Forgot They Survived, along with three more double albums. This show should be a moving manifestation of Bernie’s formidable, funky legacy. DAVE SEGAL