SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KAMASI WASHINGTON – FEARLESS MOVEMENT

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, 2015’s The Epic, was a three-volume collection that was a near three-hour sonic odyssey that exceeded its name. Should further evidence be necessary – it shouldn’t – consider his newest album, Fearless Movement. The album is his first full length since 2018’s Heaven And Earth, but also follows an extensive period of releases ranging from singles (“Sun Kissed Child”, and “My Friend Of Misery”), 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 Washington’s artistry.

“Lesanu” 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 – no matter how far they wander, they both return to their rhythmic center. In this sense, “Lesanu” introduces and ever so slightly more restricted sound that present of Washington’s previous records, this, however, allows for him and his band to soar within the constraints – albeit, the very wide constraints – that sees them exercise a different shape of creativity in masterful fashion. “Lesanu” is a highly compositional piece of music that seamlessly bleeds into “Asha The First”, 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, “Asha The First” also features rapped verses from Ras Austin and Taj Austin, further illustrating Washington’s 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. “Computer Love”, featuring vocals from Patrice Quinn is among the most traditional as a jazz ballad while “Dream State” takes a turn for the avant-garde, eventually finding its way into a meditative groove, with a remarkable feature from André 3000 on the flute. Furthermore, singles “The Garden Path” and “Prologue” 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 – something which is ever increasingly a central aspect of Washington’s sound. Additionally, “Road To Self” 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, “Get Lit”, which features vocals from George Clinton and D Smoke further sees Washington blur the lines between jazz, funk, and hip-hop.  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, Washington’s latest album should be regarded as one of the most important contributions to the progress and preservation of jazz – 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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