Kamasi Washington unveils star-studded new album with “Prologue”; publicizes Union Transfer date

The terribly bold tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington already used the title The Epic for his debut album; an almost three hour opus that immediately earned him accolades as one of the crucial very important voices in modern jazz. If he hadn’t, the title will surely work for his newest single, entitled “Prologue.” The 8 and a half minute sonic expertise begins with a mere second of quiet, spacey synths then takes off, propelled by a driving drum n’ bass-esque backbeat and loads of percussion. A virtuosic trumpet solo dominates the primary half – till Washington publicizes his return with an explosive solo of his personal.

On “Prologue,” he performs his saxophone with a life-or-death depth, creating an escalating outburst of emotion that grows virtually impossibly explosive till it reaches a screaming peak. It’s an unbelievable monitor that solely deepens in energy with its accompanying music video. Directed by former collaborator AG Rojas, it begins with an imposing shot of Washington and longtime drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. (brother of Thundercat), surrounded by others. The remainder of the video cuts collectively a sequence of beautiful dance sequences, choreographed by Samantha Blake Goodman and gorgeously shot in each colour and black and white – an ideal accompaniment to the improvisatory freedom of the music.

Following “The Garden Path,” which Washington beforehand launched and carried out on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, “Prologue” provides one of many first tastes of Washington’s just-announced new album, Fearless Movements, set to drop on May third. The file might be impressed by dance, which he says is “motion and expression, and in a manner it’s the identical factor as music—expressing your spirit by means of your physique. That’s what this album is pushing.” Washington turned a father just some years in the past and has stated his broadened horizons and deepening sense of mortality inform the brand new music. His daughter is not only an inspiration however a direct collaborator; she wrote the piano melody for one of many tracks.

The album boasts a captivating roster of featured collaborators: Andre 3000 taking part in flute, the foundational funk forefather George Clinton, rising rapper D-Smoke, gospel-tinged R&B singer BJ the Chicago Kid, and Taj and Ras Austin, twin brothers from the retro hip-hop duo Coast Contra. Washington’s first three albums had been tour-de-forces of contemporary jazz and averted vocal contributions from stars. It might be fascinating to listen to Washington work with this crew of collaborators, persevering with to fusing extra rap and R&B into his work. He’s already immersed himself in these genres, notably acting on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and the Dinner Party super-group of Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, and ninth Wonder. Washington’s upcoming tour will embrace a return to Philly for a efficiency at Union Transfer on May fifth. Check out the “Prologue” video beneath and get tickets and extra data on the present at WXPN’s Concert Calendar.