I'm not quite sure what more I could say here about jazz in 2015. There may not have been some overarching narrative that guided how art was made and released. Some folks who have worked together for years finally released an album that said so. Some folks released large ensemble albums that made huge splashes, as sprawling debuts, par for the course, or as the muscular … [Read more...]
Kamasi Washington’s ‘The Epic’ at the Regent Theater (Full Concert Video)
Kamasi Washington followed up the release of his critically acclaimed album The Epic with a live performance at Los Angeles’ Regent Theater. In addition to Washington’s 10-piece working band (called ‘The Next Step’ or ‘The West Coast Get Down’), a choir, a string section, a live DJ, and special guests (including Kamasi’s father, Rickey Washington) managed to fit … [Read more...]
Kamasi Washington – “Re Run Home” (Stream)
This May 5th, LA saxophonist Kamasi Washington hopes to redefine the boundaries of jazz and music in general with his debut on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label, entitled The Epic. The album which runs 172-minute long will be released as a three-volume set performed by a 32-piece orchestra and a 20-person choir, with notably Thundercat on bass. Check out the first single from the … [Read more...]