Kamasi Washington, born on February 18, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, is a celebrated American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Raised in a musically enriched environment, Washington's household was where music was considered a standard part of life rather than a luxury. His father, Rickey Washington, enriched his upbringing with dual roles as a high school music educator and a proficient saxophonist, while his mother brought the expressive tones of the flute into the household before transitioning to teach chemistry at the high school level.
Washington’s relationship with music was profound from an early age, starting with drums and piano by age two, and the clarinet by seven. At the age of twelve, Kamasi discovered his musical voice through the tenor saxophone, echoing his father's youthful choice.
Throughout his educational journey at the Academy of Music at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, Kamasi served as a key member of the Multi School Jazz Band and formed his first ensemble, "The Young Jazz Giants," alongside Ronald Bruner, Stephen Bruner, and Cameron Graves. With a full scholarship, he delved into ethnomusicology at UCLA, enriching his understanding and prowess in music.
The 2000s marked Washington's emergence in the professional realm, initially performing with acts such as Ryan Adams and Twilight Singers. During this period, he crafted several self-produced albums, notable for their exclusivity due to limited availability. In 2004, Kamasi released a self-titled album with the Young Jazz Giants, cementing his presence in the jazz circuit.
Washington's distinct musical style blends jazz with elements of hip-hop and classical music. His expansive collaborative reach includes:
Kamasi's pivotal moment came in 2015 with his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s "To Pimp A Butterfly". That same year, he unleashed his monumental solo album "The Epic," under Brainfeeder, Flying Lotus’ label. The album, an ambitious 172-minute, triple-disc collection, features his band "The Next Step," with orchestral and choral arrangements that heightened its grand scope.
Following "The Epic," Washington released:
Kamasi leads "The Next Step," a contemporary interpretation of a big band, while also playing a crucial role in the "West Coast Get Down" collective, which continuously pushes the boundaries of jazz on the West Coast.
A visionary in redefining the jazz musician's place within the modern soundscape, Washington has been instrumental in integrating jazz into contemporary music contexts, touching audiences globally. "The Epic" received widespread acclaim, achieving top ranks on numerous iTunes Jazz charts worldwide, further solidifying his influence.
Washington’s compositions often delve into themes of spirituality, social justice, and self-discovery, distinctive for their cinematic sweep and the fusion of intricate jazz arrangements with approachable melodies and rhythms. Kamasi Washington remains a pivotal figure in modern jazz, championing innovation while paying homage to jazz’s storied past.
Want to know when Kamisi Washington joins Holican?
Subscribe to get notified when this artist claims their official page and starts sharing content.