Dinner Party return after three years with “Watchu Bringing?”

Four names that, taken one at a time, have not needed an introduction for years. Saxophonist Kamasi Washington, pianist Robert Glasper, and producers Terrace Martin and 9th Wonder sat down together in 2020 and called the result Dinner Party. On August 7, via Empire, they release their fourth joint record, Watchu Bringing?

The 2020 debut was followed by a reworked edition, Dessert, which earned a Grammy nomination, and then 2023's Enigmatic Society. Watchu Bringing? is the first new material since. A relaxed lead single ended the three-year gap.

The lead single, “If It Ain’t Broke (Love Wins),” arrived July 10 — an easygoing, jazzy, smooth R&B cut sung by Phoelix, who appears on nearly every track on the record. Glasper’s keys and Washington’s horn leave room around the voice instead of competing with it.

A second single, “Peace of Mind,” followed on July 23 — featuring 9th Wonder. It’s the one track without Phoelix on it, and the one where a member usually stationed behind the boards steps up to the microphone himself. It closes the record.

The cover was painted by Amani Washington, Kamasi’s sister, who has done the artwork for Dinner Party’s earlier releases too. The nine-song tracklist runs “Stop Being Late” (featuring J. Ivy), “If It Ain’t Broke (Love Wins),” “Stargazing,” “Breakfast At Sharkey’s,” “I Wonder,” “Just My Type,” “I’m Yours,” “Mutual Respect,” and “Peace Of Mind.”

The group describes its name as a metaphor for years of friendship, shows, dinners and conversation. The new record extends the same idea: another invitation to pull up a chair.