Los Angeles-based saxophonist extraordinaire Kamasi Washington has proven himself a veritable force in the jazz, hip-hop and R&B communities with a body of work most of his peers would kill for. Not only can Washington wield a tenor saxophone like nobody’s business, he has already drawn lofty comparisons to such greats as Albert Ayler and even John Coltrane.
Rather than sticking to a style that has worked in the past, Washington’s latest record – ‘Fearless Movement’ – is much, much more than a smart play on words. Elegantly arranged and exquisitely presented, this latest 12-song platter showcases a musician unafraid to stretch the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Taking subtle and possibly not-so-subtle cues from Weather Report, Return To Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chick Corea, and even
Herbie Hancock, the collection is anything but dated or derivative.
Standout tracks – to name just a few – include “Computer Love” and the lovely “Asha The First” featuring bassist Thundercat which, oddly enough, took shape during his daughter’s first piano tinklings. Also of worthy mention is the meandering and purposely spacious “Dream State” featuring Andre 3000 of Outkast fame and my favorite, “Garden State.”
Said Washington about his latest record which is sure to incite multiple body movements upon first listen, “Dance is movement and expression, and in a way it’s the same thing as music—expressing your spirit through your body. That’s what this album is pushing.”
On a slightly more morbid note, Washington also addresses life and his own eventual and inescapable death. “My mortality became more apparent to me, but also my immortality—realizing that my daughter is going to live on and see things that I’m never going to see. I had to become comfortable with this, and that affected the music that I was making” said Kamasi.
As luck would have it, Sacramento will be blessed with yet another Kamasi Washington gathering. And while the largely major market tour already started in early May, it will eventually work its way to the West Coast culminating in a gig at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (Washington and Herbie Hancock curate the event) along with a slot on the highly coveted Newport Jazz Festival.
For those fortunate enough to have seen him burn down Harlow’s back in 2015, expect the unexpected at the upcoming Crest Theatre show. If you appreciate jazz and all it’s complexities, or you have an adventurous ear, you’ll also want to check out ‘Heaven On Earth’ (2018) and ‘The Epic’ (2015) which landed at No. 5 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chartupon release.
Sean Healy presents an evening with Kamasi Washington at the Crest Theatre located at 1013 K Street in Sacramento, CA. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts promptly at 8:30pm.
Tickets start at $39.50 and can be purchased at www.crestsacramento.com.
