Kamasi Washington delves even further into his pursuit of universal harmony on Fearless Movement. Once again he is surrounded by the same group of talented musicians featured on his debut album, including Thundercat (Stephen Bruner) on bass, Ronald Bruner Jr. on drums, Cameron Graves on piano, Brandon Coleman on keyboards, Miles Mosley on bass, and singer Patrice Quinn. Additionally, the arrangements are enriched by the contributions of percussionist Khalil Cummings, trumpeter Dontae Winslow, and trombonist Ryan Porter. This ensemble promises to bring new dimensions to Washington’s already captivating soundscapes.
But that’s just scratching the surface for Kamasi Washington. Ever since he burst onto the scene in 2015 with his debut album The Epic, he’s been hailed not only by younger fans but also by jazz legends like Sonny Rollins. Initially gaining attention for his fiery and soulful saxophone work on albums by Flying Lotus (You’re Dead!) and Kendrick Lamar (To Pimp a Butterfly), Washington has steadily risen to become the saxophone’s modern icon. Many see him as something of a torchbearer, blending jazz with contemporary urban sounds, making it accessible to a whole new generation of listeners while staying true to its roots.
Emboldened by this new status, the saxophonist has made a host of prestigious collaborations on this new album, calling on artists as talented and varied as saxophonist and keyboardist Terrace Martin (The Visionary), producer DJ Battlecat (Computer Love), rapper BJ The Chicago Kid (Together), D Smoke and legendary P-funk godfather George Clinton (Get Lit) and André 3000 (Dream State), without ever losing the aesthetic thread or overall control of the project.
“I fully embrace this aesthetic of overflow and hybridization,” he shared with Jazz Magazine at the release of Heaven & Earth, his 2018 double album. This work continued to advance his syncretic aesthetic, blending spiritual modal jazz and 70s soul jazz with urban rhythms drawn from contemporary R&B and hip-hop. “I like the idea that my music should reflect the totality of my experiences and not constrain or censor myself due to notions of good taste. I see my music as the culmination of my personal history and a kaleidoscopic reflection of my personality. I don’t want to disregard the elements that shape me. My task is to find the right balance in how I express all of that.”
Like his saxophone playing, which has evolved steadily since his debut, Kamasi Washington’s Fearless Movement represents a more mature musical endeavour. While maintaining its fundamental essence, the album has undergone serious refinement. The compositions showcase a more sophisticated and deliberate approach, alongside material that’s expressed with greater finesse compared to previous releases. The overall sound is tighter, more organic, and impressively presented, thanks to subtle mixing and sound processing. It’s evident that Kamasi Washington has yet to fully unveil the gems of his continually expanding musical universe.
