KAMASI WASHINGTON
FEARLESS MOVEMENT
YOUNG
Kamasi Washington exudes ambition. For evidence of this, look not only to his virtuosic performance and songwriting, but look to the fact that his debut album, 2015βs The Epic, was a three-volume collection that was a near three-hour sonic odyssey that exceeded its name. Should further evidence be necessary β it shouldnβt β consider his newest album, Fearless Movement. The album is his first full length since 2018βs Heaven And Earth, but also follows an extensive period of releases ranging from singles (βSun Kissed Childβ, and βMy Friend Of Miseryβ), to collaborations, and a soundtrack (Becoming). Fearless Movement saw Washington find inspiration in both ballet and the challenge of merging his highly complex style of bebop and fusion-inspired jazz with the kinetic movement of dance. While not a dance record by any means, Fearless Movement seeks to reconcile the disparity between the creative spirit and the body as the next evolution in Washingtonβs artistry.
βLesanuβ opens the album in absolutely grand fashion, much like an overture is used to introduce an symphony or an opera. Through adapting this idea, Washington effectively introduces the listener to a modern jazz style that remains highly distinctive of his previous work, only it has evolved to reach a more contemporary style. While not a ballet in the traditional sense, there is a rhythmic foundation clearly outlined by both the drums and bass, even if both parts remain highly improvised and embellished β no matter how far they wander, they both return to their rhythmic center. In this sense, βLesanuβ introduces and ever so slightly more restricted sound that present of Washingtonβs previous records, this, however, allows for him and his band to soar within the constraints β albeit, the very wide constraints β that sees them exercise a different shape of creativity in masterful fashion. βLesanuβ is a highly compositional piece of music that seamlessly bleeds into βAsha The Firstβ, a track which includes a vocal refrain and follows a highly experimental funk inspiration. There is a certain communal, Parliament-Funkadelic vibe to the track that also sees an incredible solo from Thundercat overtop volatile drums and an array of psychedelic tones. Furthermore, βAsha The Firstβ also features rapped verses from Ras Austin and Taj Austin, further illustrating Washingtonβs desires to expand the genre of jazz for a modern era.
Fearless Movement continues to be an incredibly versatile album, which each shade written and performed with an equal level of excitement and conviction. βComputer Loveβ, featuring vocals from Patrice Quinn is among the most traditional as a jazz ballad while βDream Stateβ takes a turn for the avant-garde, eventually finding its way into a meditative groove, with a remarkable feature from AndrΓ© 3000 on the flute. Furthermore, singles βThe Garden Pathβ and βPrologueβ both look to the fast-paced tone and heightened musicality of bebop while leaning into elements of modern jazz fusion which lead to a highly cinematic feel β something which is ever increasingly a central aspect of Washingtonβs sound. Additionally, βRoad To Selfβ organically develops from a slow ballad until reaching a point of combustion as the song erupts into a blistering pace that sees solos trade at an exceptional clip. Lastly, βGet Litβ, which features vocals from George Clinton and D Smoke further sees Washington blur the lines between jazz, funk, and hip-hop.Β It is such deviations which demonstrate the unprecedented mastery of Washington. On one level, there is the idea of fusing genres that typically are not associated with one another. Often such attempts feel hollow or denote a level of inexperience and a lack of knowledge an artist has of traditional and contemporary styles. Instead, Washington has demonstrated a musical grasp that greatly exceeds jazz as both a songwriter and performer. The result is an album that is entirely revolutionary and should see Washington continue his musical ascent as one of the greatest creative forces ever.
Fearless Movement is a transformative collection of music that transcends expectations on all fronts. Truly, to watch Washington continue to demonstrate an unrivalled level of creativity and unparalleled level of musicality as a songwriter, band leader, and performer, is exhilarating. In addition to being a thrilling musical experience, Washingtonβs latest album should be regarded as one of the most important contributions to the progress and preservation of jazz β few, if any, are able to demonstrate an equal level of both traditional excellence and progressive songwriting to such staggeringly high degrees. Fearless Movement marks an incredible step forward for Washington that raises the bar for the modern age of jazz, while also seeking to elevate the possibilities of popular music of all facets.
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SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KAMASI WASHINGTON – FEARLESS MOVEMENT
Gerrod Harris