Awesome
by Kaye LaDon Walker on 5/17/24House of Blues Houston - HoustonKamasi Washington and his entire group were nothing less than awesome. As expected, they performed like the 1st class group they are. I truly enjoyed the evening!!
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Showbox at the Market
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McDonald Theatre
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McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
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Crest Theatre - Sacramento
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Warfield
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The Catalyst-CA
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Mesa Arts Center
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Lineup
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Alcatraz
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Kamasi Washington is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and bandleader born and raised in Los Angeles. His three bodies of work to date--The Epic; Harmony of Difference, an EP originally commissioned for the 2017 Whitney Biennial; and Heaven and Earth--are among the most acclaimed of this century. As Told To G/D Thyself, his short film companion to Heaven and Earth, debuted at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival to widespread acclaim. In 2020, Washington scored the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, earning Emmy and Grammy nominations for his work. Also in 2020, Washington co-founded the supergroup Dinner Party with longtime friends and collaborators Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper and 9th Wonder--their EP Dinner Party (Dessert) was subsequently nominated for a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album. In 2021, Washington contributed a cover of Metallica's "My Friend of Misery" to the band's Metallica Blacklist covers project. Washington has toured the world over and collaborated and shared stages with Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, Herbie Hancock--with whom he will curate the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Fest for the second year in a row--and many more. His new album Fearless Movement, inspired by dance and the birth of his first daughter, is out May 3rd on Young.
Kamasi Washington and his entire group were nothing less than awesome. As expected, they performed like the 1st class group they are. I truly enjoyed the evening!!
Kamasi Washington hit St. Andrews Hall on Thursday, May 9. Spending some time before showtime mingling outside, the positive vibes of his world jazz sound were also part of his stature as he was near his fans. His new album also dropped six days prior. When the seven piece band took stage, there was energy from beyond the sound system. Also of note—the St . Andrew’s Hall sound system has never sounded better. A look around at the faces in awe, the smiles, dances, and serious staring, the audience was a melting pot of young, old, and of every imaginable nationality. Kamasi clearly brings the world together. Musically, the fire from the stage was a feature for each player, while the selections were introduced (as well as soloists) by Kamasi himself. Harmony musical lines crossing Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax, Trombone, as well as keyboards, drums, bass and percussion/DJ, intermixed with a soul and state of mind, that not only drew lengthy solo sections, but body shaking DJ bass drops. A vocalist led the spiritual part of the ensemble from stage right—she was in her own realm and gave the evening a rich voice to tune into. . Kamasi was laughing at his keyboard player, drummer, and bassist during portions of the evening as they went above and beyond into fantastic solo sections, mixing up the sound and pushing the music to outer levels. The percussionist/DJ also had his own portion of the evening. All in all, the family-style band (sax/flutist was Kamasi’s father and was also effective in higher musical elevation) are at the top of their game and one of the only acts that can simultaneously rock the audience with jazz/world music/DJ/ spiritual latitudes. This music brings out the best in the players and in mixing the audience in a sonic hug. Kamasi took it to next levels.
IDK how this dude comes up with his songwriting and musical ideas but they are transcendental
The music industry is awash with talent. How wonderful it was to EXPERIENCE Kamasi Washington and his fellow musicians who shared their genius and musicianship with us!! As Kamasi so aptly said, he is thankful to play music and to be able to travel and share his music with those that love and appreciate it as well!! I realized how special it is to be able to enjoy an experience with musicians who thoroughly enjoy the music that they create together. I look forward to seeing Kamasi's growth and musical journey. A truly bright and shining musical genius on our current jazz horizon!!
The show was dope! Kamasi has always had dope sets but the addition of DJ Battlecat adds that extra sauce!
Everyone should know about kamasi. His music is incredible
This band was on fire. It wasn't just a concert, it was a musical experience! I would go again any time
It took some time to get the sound dialed in during the show. Kamasi was great, but the sound engineers struggled for 30min.
Kamasi, so great to see and hear him live! His playing and compositions of course. But also his sense of humor and warmth. And the band! Watchjng them work/play with such joy and skill. And the Dorsey kids!
I traveled to New York from Georgia for this broadway concert and it was worth it! OMG what a show. From the opening act to the end, I loved every minute of this concert. He is a class act and the show was first class. Ill definitely follow his music.