Kamasi Washington's The Epic is amazing stuff.
The accomplished Los Angeles saxophonist and session player with Wide Hive records has emerged as his own man on a date which recalls the best of 70's era jazz. Think Miles Davis, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, McCoy Tyner. The listener can hear their influence in Washington's sweeping musical vision, but it is not a copy. The saxophonist and his ensemble take the musical legacy of these masters in a contemporary direction, modernizing it for 21st Century audiences. And the results are sublime.
Washington's authoritative saxophone burns with spiritual fire as he leads his ensemble through some of the most compelling ensemble pieces released on record this year. Starting with "Change of the Guard" and going into remarkable performances on "Askim", "Miss Understanding", "Re Run", and "The Magnificent 7", the band effortlessly switches from passionate musical crescendos to swinging, soulful numbers.
The Epic is a three record, 172 minute set that includes a ten-piece band, in addition to a 32 piece orchestra, a 20 person choir, and 17 songs overlaid with a score written by Kamasi Washington. Seventeen tracks, all originals from Washington, are presented on this brilliant date.
Personnel: Kamasi Washington, tenor saxophone, band leader; Miles Mosley, acoustic bass; Ronald Bruner, Jr. , drums; Tony Austin, drums; Thundercat, electric bass; Brandon Coleman, keyboards; Dwight Trible, lead vocals; Patrice Quinn, lead vocals; Leon Mobley, percussion; Cameron Graves, piano; Ryan Porter, trombone; Igmar Thomas, trumpet.
Kamasi Washington has worked extensively as the saxophonist for the house band on Wide Hive records. His release The Epic richly demonstrates his readiness for leadership roles. This writer hopes to hear much more to come from Kamasi Washington. The saxophonist is truly worthy of much wider recognition.
Listen to an archived concert performance of "The Epic" on NPR
