Kamasi Washington's 'The Epic' in Concert

Saxophonist and composer Kamasi Washington, 34, has been working on releasing his now three-CD, nearly three-hour, choir-and-strings-assisted album The Epic for the better part of five years now. Even longer, if you consider how long his 10-piece working band has known each other: Most of its members, known collectively as The Next Step or The West Coast Get Down, have known each other since at least high school decades ago in South Central Los Angeles, and in some instances well before that. Even as their diverse careers have made it difficult to focus exclusively on this band - Washington is, for instance, the saxophone player heard on the new Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar albums - they've all continually committed to experimenting with a brand of jazz that resonates with their own generation's lived experience.
Jazz Night In America features Kamasi Washington and the music of The Epic at its release party, and in its full glory. From the Regent Theater in Downtown L.A., Washington presents his new album with his working band, a choir, a string section and plenty of special guests.
SETLIST
5:45 - "Askim"
27:25 - "Change of the Guard"
47:00 - "Leroy and Lanisha"
1:02:01 - "Henrietta Our Hero"
1:15:10 - "Re Run"
1:44:00 - "The Message"
MUSICIANS
Kamasi Washington, Tony Austin, Ronald Bruner, Stephen Bruner, Brandon Coleman, Cameron Graves, Miles Mosley, Ryan Porter, Patrice Quinn, Battlecat, Munyungo Jackson, The Gaslamp Killer, Terrace Martin, Leon Mobley, Ras G, Dwight Trible, Rickey Washington, Dontae Winslow, Miguel Atwood:Ferguson, Paul Cartwright, Yvette Devereauz, Atryom Manukyan, Ginger Murphy, Tylana Renga, Molly Rogers, Jim Simone, Andrea Witt, Nia Andrews, Trenyce Cobbins, Thalma de Freitas, Taylor Graves, Charles Jones, Dawn Norsleet, Steven Wayne, Mashica Winslow
CREDITS
Producers: Alex Ariff, Patrick Jarenwattananon, Nick Michael, Suraya Mohamed, Simon Rentner, Katie Simon / Editors: Nick Michael, Morgan McCloy / Videographers: Morgan McCloy, Nick Michael, Benjamin B. Morris, Doriane Raiman / Event Producer and Promoter: Andrew Lojero, ArtDontSleep / Assistant Producer: Colin Marshall / Asst. Videographer: Aaron Ashby / Lighting Director: Jerome Cushing / Audio Mixing and Mastering: Daddy Kev, Cosmic Zoo / House Audio Engineers: Nic Monaco, Kyle Berzle / Additional Audio: Alex Ariff / Supervising Sound Editor: Suraya Mohamed / Special Thanks: The Regent Theater, Atom Factory, Banch Abegaze, Many Giangardella, Mitchell Frank, Liz Garo, Jasper Kuo / Executive Producer: Anya Grundmann
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[@johnniejay]

This man is making Jazz cool and relevant again for an entire generation. For that alone, he deserves so much respect.

[@demp6452]

+Peanut Butter Knife Fight fucking true man

[@macfelton]

+Peanut Butter Knife Fight I'd credit a bigger name like Flying Lotus for that. But kamasi definitely helps in this respect.

[@macfelton]

+Tomás Quacked Then again, they're probably all in this together.

[@johnniejay]

Tomás Quacked Let's not forget that Kamasi also played on Kendrick Lamar's last record, the most hyped album of the year. He has spearheaded a vanguard of jazz musicians giving the genre a hip factor and quality that it isn't had for decades.

[@GraditudevsRevenge]

+Peanut Butter Knife Fight Fly Lo AND Thundercat ANNNND Robert Glasper (to name a few big boys) played and helped produce To Pimp A Butterfly.

[@GraditudevsRevenge]

Man, Thundercat is just something else.

[@pavlezvekic]

Miles Mosley is also mind- blowing

[@illinformeerecords8647]

+GraditudevsRevenge yep legend

[@riccardocuciniello2044]

not to mention Atwood Ferguson. This concert is legendary

[@1337rage]

the amount of genius musicians on this stage is WAY TOO HIGH!

[@mariposa9877]

+Márquez Caramba That's true indeed! Even the amazing Dwight Trible is with them!

[@ramonbarrera3744]

IT'S OVER 9000!!!!

[@DavinPressnall]

The amount of high genius?

[@RASTAxSKATE]

rahrahamunrah1 he's definitely doing it with his brain lol he's human, he's obviously a genius just like Charles Mingus and Coltrane, being a genius isn't that big of a deal anymore in modern day society, everything now a days is credited to more than one person, if anything anyone able to play music fluently is a genius. People know when your just smacking chords on guitar, aka (Kurt Cobain) plus etc.

[@PutumaGqamana]

If they hear genius, so be it. You hear soul? Cool. Everybody is right in how they feel the music. It ain't gotta be one way. Nothing undervalued. Let's all be happy we are inspired.

[@martinocampo4734]

its crazy how there are two drummers and two bassists playing but you dont hear any conflict at all

[@lucienfournier0]

I know right? I’ve heard two drummers in a band, Grateful Dead, Allman brothers band; but never two bassists. Crazy cool stuff

[@vincentsmith3244]

Yes i agree and everyone played there part on that stage amazing proformece the epic indeed

[@ramirofrancois2157]

@@lucienfournier0 Yep nice. Pharoah Sanders was playing with two basist in the 60s. Should check out.

[@lucienfournier0]

Ramiro Francois will do! Thanks!

[@JP-pm5hj]

Yeah it's so cool! Im guessing that Thundercat is playing chords high in his fretboard while Miles plays bass normally. Either way, both of them sound freaking amazing

[@KingLoop13]

The ending to Askim is fucking incredible

[@pavlezvekic]

the intro as well

[@thefuture420]

The middle too

[@pavlezvekic]

+thefuture420 I mean... It's Kamasi Washington. :)

[@user-lm9oo3ry8w]

Cry every time I hear “Askim”. So spiritual. Sounds like a prayer😌

[@brownkemosabe]

It's so reminiscent of A Love Supreme!

[@thomaspaciello1068]

I can't remember seeing a group of musicians this happy while they played. Everyone is bopping and smiling and just joyous. Amazing.

[@MarcusL1995]

thomas paciello most of them are signed to the same label "Brainfeeder" run by Flying Lotus so they basically a family

[@CareyPortnoyBeauford]

Dang, his speech on the changing of the guard. Sounds like they were the kids training and now they realized the guard was gone and they are the new guards. Guard jazz my friends, guard it well! But I'm not worried, you are very well trained for the position. Swords are sharp and muscle memory is on spot.

[@smd13133]

wow great interpretation!

[@CareyPortnoyBeauford]

smd13133 thanks!

[@roaringforties]

There is some lineage there. These guys are friends with and play with Flying Lotus who is the nephew of John and Alice Coltrane.

[@cemegonuts]

This is Jazz that is completely unique. There is literally NOTHING like this. Amazing. Unique. Confounds preconceptions. Just SUBLIME! Incredible album, or should I say 'experience'. Pure genius.

[@UkuleleAversion]

+cemegonuts I thought jazz was dying. I was wrong.

[@michaelshannon6134]

This sounds like when my niece and nephew come over and bang on the piano. It's annoying and nonsensical. Jazz used to sound good, and exciting, and cheery. How am i supposed to feel when I listen to this? It's too loud and chaotic to sound chill, and it's too jumbled and unpredictable to be catchy, fun, or enjoyable. Honestly it's crap, what do you guys see in this?

[@WordChicken-mk7el]

@@michaelshannon6134 you're describing pop not jazz i'm afraid

[@michaelshannon6134]

@@WordChicken-mk7el Really I was thinking of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday. I would say my characterization fits all of their music, and they basically founded Jazz. I know that jazz will inevitably evolve, and smooth jazz seems like a natural successor to the classics, but this does not.

[@apothecurio]

@@michaelshannon6134 It's not jazz in that sense. It's Jazz Fusion. and Jazz is ultimately about self expression. What's beautiful about Jazz is I feel it has the ability to communicate and make you feel any emotion it wants. I know jazz that both terrifies me but also soothes me. It has the ability to make you feel anything. I feel if you can learn to understand that, you can learn as to why so many people are so incredibly moved, myself included, by Kamasi Washington and associates. As for Kamasi Washington, there is supposed to be this feeling of intense controlled chaos, bursting with soul and catharsis. As well as much of it is incredibly politically charged. Elle Fitzgerald and Armstrong are all old classics and they are incredible. But there is much much more to Jazz than just that. It's beautiful.

[@GabrielQuiroz95]

man this gave me chills. We should all be happy to be part of this generation. Music is in a good place with all these cats killing it

[@ReversedOreo2248]

Right on bro, cant emphasize that more

[@Jamiefearon]

I saw Kamasi Washington live for the first time a couple of days ago at Primavera Festival in Barcelona. I wasn't expecting much, as I've never heard of them before. I thought the highlight of the festival would be seeing Radiohead, a band I've grown up with and loved. I never expected the highlight, by a huge margin, to be Kamasi - a group I've never heard before. It may have been the spanish sunshine, or the lovely fresh weed I just smoked, but I swear whilst listening I had what can only be described as a spiritual experience. It's like watching an orgie of passion that never ceases. Thank you so much Kamasi Washington for taking the time to share your beauty with me!!

[@BARNAPE]

I envy you seeing him over there Jamie. It would be great to see him and the band anywhere, but, in SPAIN! It can't get much better than that.

[@marcioballmann2174]

it can... In Portugal :)

[@jaqinxpto2085]

sabes

[@NickoFilipo]

nah man, I'm watching it from youtube after crappy weed, and I feel you all the more xD

[@paulstolberg4715]

haha honest man here! thats proves his quality even more!:)

[@AlexisHernandez-ew6ii]

i don't understand why this fucking album did not win at least one grammy or why wasn't it nominated

[@RanulfoKnox]

ppl at grammy have no clue about music quality or feelings. theyre on the $$$$ side of music bussiness. dont let some shit awards tell you what is good for you and which music should connect with your hear. woah im deep today hehe cheers

[@WillSmith-fg8be]

who the fuck cares about grammys

[@Pizaz0]

Alexis Hernandez wasn't this nominated? It was at the top of iTunes jazz charts for a while.

[@rosemaryjones4896]

Will Smith o

[@zlum1556]

Found some gold.

[@vasconcelossentimento]

now thats beauty all the musicians performing with smiles on their faces

[@hawkrolla]

Anybody who understands jazz understands how incredibly important this is.

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

Kamasi has a kindhearted spirit, he feels the entire group in the same way Miles Davis did The musicians radiate joy, which is beautiful to behold.

[@estudiosfolkloreiberoamericano]

Kamasi's the John Coltrane of our generation. Ohh man, i love this reality!!!

[@Too_Much_Too_Fast]

+Joan Saag you're so right

[@TomosJB]

+Joan Saag I was saying the same thing!!

[@deepdeers1392]

+Joan Saag He's actually friend of Flying Lotus (Coltrane's nephew)

[@estudiosfolkloreiberoamericano]

Deep Deers Yeah, i know. It's really incredible to see how generations of great musicians are connected.

[@puregravy9086]

+Joan Saag ...whatever he is, I'm digging it sooo... He is the Kamasi Washington of our generation!

[@BackwoodSpiritAnimal]

I've never seen musicians have so much fun and go fucking insane like this. Also Thundercat is a motherfuckin' G on that bass.

[@greasedog]

As a devout fan of several genres of Jazz for 50 years, I found this unique and utterly fascinating! I’m almost taken aback. I’m still trying to process it.

[@marciocouto3543]

Pharoah + Coltraine + Coleman + 21 Century Jazz = Kamasi.

[@zosakirk637]

+Marcio Couto ...and ghosts of Mingus and Rahsaan for good measure.Beautiful music.

[@marciocouto3543]

Yes, definitely!

[@RuckusNW]

Don't forget a tablespoon of Sun Ra in that recipe

[@marciocouto3543]

Cole Bronson right!

[@solinspired4428]

Cole Bronson yes Sun Ra!

[@indelaxiom]

I swear this video NEVER gets old!! I watch it at least once a week! Man, I wish NPR would release the whole performance! I would pay for it also. Do you hear me NPR? Release the whole performance!! Please!!

[@moniquefalu7296]

Kamasi Washington is the absolute truth! My 16yr old son introduced me to his music. We saw him live at Central Park summer stage. I fell in love. Kamasi literally gave birth to the Epic. Genuine Genius.

[@leotellesmotta3003]

This is unbelievably good. I mean, the album is ridiculous awesome, but this? Best arrangement of the year, performed so bloody perfectly. Blew my mind.

[@AtmaRising]

This is what we need, forever. More jazz, more love and soul and beauty. This is IT!

[@elsamariasorforger5788]

i bought those 3 records on vinyl..its a masterpiece..even though im not into jazz music much ,i love it,

[@jerseytoddshow]

This is beyond awesome. Thank you! (Also, I apologize to the purists, but my 10-year old son is starting his jazz appreciation and education with "The Epic." I figure he can always find the influences on his own, and forge his own path.)

[@Englishdan81]

Is this a joke???!!!! How can you possibly fit this much talent and musical ability in the same room without shifting the earths axis! God Damn! This is insane! LOVE IT! BRING IT TO PITTSBURGH 2021!

[@UkuleleAversion]

All the great jazz musicians, whether you're talking Coltrane, Armstrong, Mehldau, or Miles, they brought every great thing that had came before them together and created their own personality on top of this. Kamasi is a great jazz musician.

[@danielmontealegre566]

Oh my GOD. THIS IS EXHILARATING 😍

[@bmejia220]

so blessed to see this moment, im speechless after watching this, just an awsome presentation of this important music. god bless these guys, also stoked that kamasi and his dad had a moment onstage, god bless, yall thanks so much

[@funkaszifue6748]

Beautiful,stirring amazing..every secound is perfect..the tears flow my eyes...thank you Kamashi!

[@ebaylistentomusic]

I'm very impressed with the vision and the dedication it took to bring this music to life. I'm old school too but I know Trane, Duke, Bird, Louis would all be digging this. No doubt!

[@vincentsmith3244]

this brother is so talented love his music he put jazz back on the map

[@billmassy]

it's almost as if this album was made to directly cater to my personal taste in jazz. amazing record and this performance is absolutely legendary.

[@Simi.Sun_]

This is just… thank the algorithm for this. Bc I’ve heard Kamasi plenty of times. More of his recent material. I’ve alsways loved and appreciated his art. This though???? From 8 years ago?!!! This had me in my room crying, dancing, praising, laughing, n just being in complete AWE 😮. Yo The Westside Get Down is… just wow. The features… the congos… he bought his Daddy out 🥹 lol. The orchestra too?! Annnnd the DJ on the tables on the end?! Everyone was SO AUTHENTIC ‘n HAPPY. That feeling is contagious n I’m grateful 🥹 🙌🏾🔥😍. I think this is the best “performance” I’ve ever seen/heard…. ‘N I’m in my room! 😂

[@threedog99]

So great. Pure joy of music distilled. But that chubby violinist dude is my hero. So hype.

[@zefilor]

This is by far my favorite thing in the world

[@RelaxingSpringAmbience]

I used to spin Acid Jazz and rare groove in the 90s on my college radio station…the Heavies, Greyboy, Gurus Jazzmatazz and tons of 70s progressive jazz were all in rotation…great times!

[@Whatsitallaboutalfie99]

5 years payed off Kamasi, what an absolute masterpiece.

[@jsphotos]

Henrietta, Our Hero. Wow! Great tune. Great musicians. Wonderful. THIS is fantastic jazz! So fine, so pure, so inspired, so full of invention, so "with it"!! Here are a few excerpts from "Henrietta, Our Hero, featuring Patrice Quinn: 1:02:05 and 1:10:09 and 1:12:55. I love Patrice Quinn's voice! Fantastic vocalist. Magical performances by all!

[@bigedhaaheo]

I was so blessed to see you Kamasi Washington @ Blue Note Hawaii... Epic performance..... I've seen a lot of great jazz artists and performances but this blew me away....just a 62 year fan... Aloha

[@GV_777YT]

Genius, Prophet, Visionary, Story Teller. Thank you for existing Kamasi Washington. we get " The message"

[@DavinPressnall]

If Jaco were alive Thundercat would be his favorite bass player-

[@shereehardin5783]

Flute is the most beautiful sounding instrument on this planet. Along with the saxophone it is very romantic and lovely and almost a divine instrument.

[@lilkujo]

@@shereehardin5783 da fuck are you even talking about

[@pastense]

Sheree Hardin wtf? Where did u come from??? lol smh

[@owenthompson5292]

Kamasi Washington, at the North Sea Jazz Festival in July 2016, in the company of a full orchestra and an 18 piece choir delivered something so majestic, stunning and beautiful that it left me completely stunned and overwhelmed. The only difference with the above was the strings and background vocals were fuller and louder, providing a truly epic experience.

[@tripelkrauz]

Wonderful sound and great musicians. Love it! It reminds me of early instrumental Zappa mixed with some Magma sounds all in a modern take.

[@dr.brucebanner7931]

Wow. Is true!!!

[@brownkemosabe]

Actually this reminds me a lot of John Coltrane's A Love Supreme. Especially the first track.

[@Tubemanjac]

Same thought here! 👍

[@Countachockula]

Some of the coolest music ever played. Kamasi and band are amazing.

[@mckinleymorton]

I have been a long time lover of music in the vein of magma, Coltrane, holdsworth, and many more popular forms. having never heard Washington's original music before seeing him, with this band, live was the perfect introduction. I was floored. some of the most beutiful and intimate music possible. could not ask for more from the art experience. Washington ' s father came at and played soprano sax which added a further level to it. I hope to see these guys again.

[@jamesrushworth3465]

Really really really need to get the charts for these. Each one is so unique and painted on with such power. Can't get enough of it.

[@JamoonXerxesSauber]

Fills me with so much joy. It's not just the musicianship. You can see how much fun everyone is having with it

[@mebetidosso3357]

Extraordinary music, amazing experience with this band. A great musical journey for souls. Thank you guys!

[@mikeferrini8884]

Good Lord that was amazing! Thank You for sharing such a masterful performance! Peace

[@597das]

they are all having so much fun :D I love this band

[@valdostube]

Thank you thank you thank you a thousand times for this. If there is a chance to put up "The Rhythm Changes" some time, I would LOVE to hear it. Fantastic production by all involved. Congratulations!

[@carltonwhite9682]

It remains a most brilliant exercise in the music that we love! Should have won the Grammy!

[@cliffsavage2]

NPR!!! NPR!!! Npr!!!! You have changed my life forever. All the new music has been introduced through your tiny and big desk. Blessings!! Blessings!!! Blessings!!! Forever. And for the millionth time. THANK YOU KZbin!!! This wizardry By these friends, shows us the way how life should be. Why do we need wars when we can have endless days of Epic musical spirituality. I bow down in all humility. Kamasi and friends. Angles on Earth.

[@jshutcherson]

Absolutely amazing. Saw them recently. Incredible chops across the board. I now have faith in music again.

[@troycollard4472]

Wow. Such an incredible band. Kamasi is one talented musician. Nothing else pleases my ears as much as his solos do. Incredible. Speaaaaachless. 10/10

[@gsfadv]

Quanta qualidade, domínio e amplitude sonora. Kamasi é sensacional.

[@kevcizzle]

Thanks, Jazz Night in America, this is epic indeed. The music is all-consuming for all senses. Spectacular composition & performance.

[@Riddlemewalker]

"All of the sudden Art Blakey was a thing at my school" That is so cool

[@OdeenRocha]

Awesome! Love it!! This world needs musicians like you.

[@juanraperales423]

No words to describe this music. Just enjoy it and have a nice trip.

[@CarloLlacar]

i'm so happy Kamasi that you are from LA! The Jazz resurgence is appropriate that it comes from here

[@bluesandroots2008]

You gotta give it up to America for sending these guys to the planet! Much respect from Tokyo!!!

[@rruesz]

This is GOOD!! Thank you Henrietta...

[@deniskorchevskiy3415]

This performance is like internal friendly meeting: such warm (sometimes even hot because of heated conversations and discussions), human... simple, on the one hand, but so exalted on the other hand. Soulful, graceful, full of life and air. EPIC, in a word! Thanks a lot for that music. Hope, I'll have a time to watch this video stricly from A to Z.

[@samuelvazquez9043]

Powerful, the great comeback of jazz

[@AlineMilanOficial]

Es que nOooo puede ser!!! simplemente A M A Z I N G !!! Sino logran ver a Dios ... envuelvanse en esta música...

[@richardrickford3028]

Fancy stumbling upon this! wow this is so exciting! These guys obviously have a deep deep respect for jazz and know so much about it. That is why they are able to move it forward in such an incredible way.

[@puregravy9086]

Unbelievable energy and textures of sound...so unique!

[@RicketyBread]

Man, it looks like they are having soo much fun on stage!

[@colehunt402]

cannot believe I just listened to greatness.. masterpiece. best jazz I've ever heard in my life

[@RayfieldA]

I have never seen a String section Bob their heads while they play!! That's Powerful!!

[@svartendavo]

Make Jazz great again.

[@sustainablejeff]

how do you even rehearse for a four hr. improv concert

[@sustainablejeff]

+Jeffrey Blumenthal with crazy complex orchestration

[@jshutcherson]

+Jeffrey Blumenthal By being amazing!

[@UkuleleAversion]

+Jeffrey Blumenthal You play with your band from 10am to 2am, that's how.

[@mgbp1]

You don't, thats why it's called improv

[@BromeliadBro]

It's not an improv concert. Arrangements are relatively strict, really. There's a choir and string section, you know?

[@scottyconantwisdomoftrees5993]

Epic, indeed. This is super inspiring and makes me truly happy. Thank you.

[@abinamanning3377]

So wonderful. Saw a version of the band play in Chicago two weeks ago and I am still smiling!

[@zlum1556]

Man... Those gotta be real Friends, play streets fighter, etc. Pay esch other bills.. Wish you peoples the BEST on the road!

[@jimknodle1]

Whatever these amazing musicians inspire will, of course, be completely different!

[@sofasaramago]

Music from a dream, jazz from the heavens!!!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@wellingtonchitauka1332]

This is Jazz-fabulous,I will need 2 yrs to find words to describe this seamless blend of various instruments.For the Sax..it was short off"talking vacals".Wonderful...

[@MarkKusha1]

Man... I saw all these guys 3 or 4 times at the Piano Bar in Hollywood. I'm so happy they're getting the recognition they deserve

[@siestafiestassssssss]

This...is EVERYTHING.

[@bobblues1158]

The Vibe is what it`all about for me. It ´t what made me know was a musician when i was 10 years old -61 years ago. This is so affirmative and Bright Moments, I have to love it and get my horn out and play along with it.

[@Fleezy81]

That opening tho.....DAMN!!

[@biggincognacfrance5849]

OMFG - best new music I have heard in YEARS - ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

This is now my favourite thing on KZbin

[@jphineasleevy9879]

Poof Boom Pow Damn! It’s like orchestral, complex like Zappa but accessible and it feels like you’re witnessing a greatful dead jam out but soooo much more lyrical and rhythmic. Massive like George Clinton and P-Funk but so much more to say. Like the best Jazz, Rock Classical concert you ever saw. Superlative and, well incomparable.

[@mariposa9877]

They were in Berlin's YAAM on November 22nd - and I leant about it too late. No ticket available anymore. I'm still inconsolable. This music is divine. Somebody wrote "it's intergalactic energy, a storm of emotion" - and that's true, too.

[@robustelement]

A new landmark in Jazz Music is reached.

[@howieharshaw]

Wow. I could listen to this all day. Great stuff.

[@Tedroy]

I believe Kamasi's big message is family. Musical family, human family.

[@MrFelice49]

Amazing!! Music will go on thanks to this kind of genius... ..Thanks Kamasi and all of you..

[@Heffsta02]

my heart......when they singing about his grandma....beautiful

[@susannehesse911]

fantastic!!!i love his music!!! jazz at it best!!❤❤❤❤

[@ericgendell8874]

The New Generation of Jazz Greats. This is the changing of the guard.

[@thebomontellano4996]

Thank God for these musicians for making Jazz hip again. The last American art form! Guard it well!

[@patlive63]

My only regret of the year is missing this concert!

[@myHEADisAtv]

Kamasi is to sax what Jimi was to guitar. Fucking incredible. The dream story with the strings... Oh man.

[@Euanr111]

So much passion, just feeling the rhythm ~~~