Kamasi Washington

Words: Todd Cooley / Photos: Ben Kramer

Let me begin with this: Kamasi Washington is nothing short of miraculous. While it may seem hyperbole to some, I think those familiar with him and his music may tend to agree. He is a musician and composer who has gained international fame after his debut album, The Epic. He has worked with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Thundercat to name a few. Known for his blend of melodic and spiritual jazz music which is symphonic in scope.            

Seated on the second balcony, I watched folks fill in the standing room below. The lights went out, and out walked the opening act, local group Jaw Gems. They played gorgeous synth jams which seemed to marry Khruangbin with Tame Impala. Entirely instrumental, I was impressed with the tightness of their sound, particularly the synths, which reminded me of some of the more vocal synth sounds I have heard on Daft Punk tracks. The drums had this almost frosty quality to them, and the bass lines were full of character. The result was a trio of musicians who seemed to be transmitting this great hip-hop informed funk. I imagined the sound emanating from a club hidden inside a dusty sega genesis. They set a great tone for the rest of the concert, inviting us into a space of color and texture, over the traditional checklist of pop formula. 

To the excitement of the crowd, Washington and his band entered the stage. Him on tenor saxophone, he was accompanied by a trombonist, two drummers, a keyboardist, a bass player, and a vocalist. There was a visible confidence and readiness to them as they entered the stage, and dove into the first song of the performance. The drummers hit cymbals, snares, and toms in a dizziness fashion. A controlled, melodic bassline pounded through, and this lay a craggy, earthy foundation for Washington’s entering saxophone line. 

It is impossible to categorize the style of Washington’s playing. He entered into the tune like a beam of moonlight; calm, controlled, and tender. But his playing held many dimensions - at one moment, it could be mellow and loving, and the next, ravenous and harsh. It was melodic, spiritual, humane. The saxophone screamed above modal piano chords, stomping bass, and the ethereal singing of vocalist Patrice Quinn.The audience was hooked, and they stayed with Washington and his group along this journey second by second. There are few performances I have seen where audiences are so moved that they offer a standing ovation from the first song, but from where I was sitting, a few stood up to applaud the group. It was just that good.

The second song was from his debut album The Epic, and one of my personal favorite tracks, “The Rhythm Changes”. For this song, Washington invited his own father up on the stage to perform with the group. “This is the man who taught me everything I know,” he said, outstretching his hand to welcome the man to the stage. He played a marvelous solo in the midst of the track, and the two stood side by side playing saxophone together. There was something sublime about watching two generations of musicians, of Washington’s, stand there as the following lyrics swept over the crowd like a fragrance.

“Our minds, our bodies, our feelings.

             They change, they alter, they leave us.

             Somehow, no matter what happens,

             I’m here.”