Sunday 9 September 2018

Favourite Albums Of 2018: Kamasi Washington - Heaven & Earth ( & The Choice)


How the Hell do you follow an album you've named The Epic? Well, you come up with another Epic album - simple really.
Spread over two cds, or if, like me, you've also chosen the Vinyl option, 4 glorious lps - in fact, if you open the perforated section in the middle of the gatefold sleeve, you'll find an additional 'Secretly Hidden' album called The Choice. Clever, huh? And it's a disc you'll not find on the cd version of the album. Vinyl only - oh and download obviously!!







Between this new album and the release of The Epic in 2015, Mr Washington also released an EP/Album called Harmony Of Difference in 2017 - so he hasn't been resting on his laurels.



Looking for a term of reference for my Jazz listening, I have always enjoyed the output of the ECM Label. Where sound quality is king and much of the output has a glacial, cerebral purity and approach. But Mr Washington has a much more passionate and organic approach. If he thinks the track needs the kitchen sink, then in goes the sink! It's a much grander tapestry of sound and is as big as the man himself. When you go back and listen to The Epic, as an example, you realise that he  really couldn't have called it anything else for his first major label release.

Now, anyone who looks to produce music on a grand/epic scale will immediately get my attention. That's just the way I roll. But Mr Washington needs this space to display his true musical vision.


Trying to pick out individual tracks on such an expansive album will be totally missing the point. Mr Washington has always said his music really should be listened to as a whole and to get the true feeling of what he is trying to reveal then he probably has a point. It'll take a couple of tracks to get into the zone and into his groove but once you're there the beauty of the Music really starts to reveal itself. If you don't like or appreciate Jazz then this album won't change your mind and there are many more accessible albums you should try before you get stuck into a piece like this.

With most of the 8 tracks of Heaven clocking in at an average of 8 minutes in length, there is plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of Kamasi Washington and this large band of musicians, singers and choirs.

And the Earth side is even bigger with several tracks hitting the 10 minute mark plus.



The Album is presented as two separate listening experiences - one Heaven, the other Earth. Mr Washington explains it thus, 

“The Earth side of this album represents the world as I see it outwardly, the world that I am a part of, The Heaven side of this album represents the world as I see it inwardly, the world that is a part of me. Who I am and the choices I make lie somewhere in between.” 


I would never ever claim to be a Jazz aficionado but I know what I like. And I like this. Full of huge ideas, huge sweeping themes, big, big sounds and fine musicianship. You can see why innovative artists such Kendrick Lamar are seeking him out to work with him. He brings a gravitas and sonic landscape that attracts the more intelligent artists out there searching for something different. It takes thought to go and visit Mr Washington's musical home but you'll be so rewarded when you do.



Twitter - @KamasiW



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