Kamasi Washington | Artist
Kamasi Washington is an American jazz-fusion saxophonist born 1981 in Los Angeles, California. He is ushering in a new wave of Jazz in 2010s through his solo output, work with groups Young Jazz Giants and Throttle Elevator Music, plus collaborations with rap artists. Kamasi self-released three albums in the 2000s but it was his superb 2015 album The Epic which saw him define Jazz for a new generation. Released through Flying Lotus' label Brainfeeder, The Epic is a three-hour journey encompassing a tour of various Jazz styles, working closely with friend and collaborator, Thundercat on bass guitar. Within the same year, Washington also contributed to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, alongside his former collaborators. In 2017, his companion EP to The Epic, The Harmony of Difference, was released, as a concise six-song summary of all ideas presented on its predecessor. Kamasi would release his second major project, Heaven and Earth in 2018, again receiving critical acclaim. Washington has also contributed to acts such as Run the Jewels, St. Vincent and Ryan Adams. He is also a consistent member of Throttle Elevator Music and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra. Kamasi recently released the album Dinner Party in 2020 in collaboration with prominent producers 9th Wonder, Robert Glasper and Terrance Martin. Dinner Party is a solid introduction for newcomers to the sounds of Kamasi’s saxophone. As an illustration of his eclectic talent, Washington has played with a diverse group of leading musicians including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Snoop Dogg, George Duke, Chaka Khan, Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and the Pan Afrikaan People's Orchestra. Standout solo albums include The Proclamation, The Epic, Harmony of Difference and Heaven and Earth. Also recommended is the fourth album by Throttle Elevator Music, Throttle Elevator Music IV.
Artist Website: kamasiwashington.com
Featured Albums: Kamasi Washington
Related Artists: Young Jazz Giants, Throttle Elevator Music
Video Clips: The Epic Live, GQ Interview, Street Fighter Mas
