Kamasi Washington did make a dance album. It’s the movement of the spirit.
Without hesitation, Kamasi Washington describes Fearless Movement as a dance album. That may have caused a few raised eyebrows here and there, but there’s more going on than the precise interpretation of “dance.”
“When people hear that I’m making a dance album, it’s not literal,” he explains. “Dance is movement and expression, and in a way it’s the same thing as music — expressing your spirit through your body. That’s what this album is pushing.”
Collaboration and a multi-disciplinary approach play major roles in this latest work by the multi-talented composer, bandleader and saxophonist. An instinctive brilliance unfolds on each compositional narrative, as Washington deliberately creates huge spaces in each piece for his collaborators to improvise. It’s fearless and refreshing, including great talents like Patrice Quinn, George Clinton, André 3000, Thundercat and many others. (Today’s AMM track “Computer Love” features Quinn, DJ Battlcat, and Brandon Coleman.)
Be on the lookout for the new music video for the track “Get Lit” with George Clinton and D Smoke, coming soon. And you can catch Kamasi Washington at his show tonight, Friday May 17, at Empire Garage on E. 7th St. Doors at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m.
