An Evening with Kamasi Washington

On Saturday night, I saw Kamasi Washington at Philadelphia's Union Transfer, and it was pure delight.

He was touring in support of Harmony of Difference, a gorgeous six track EP released in September. While the compilation is largely slated as jazz, there's more to this 31-minute run than can be summed up in one word, or one genre. It's classical, it's modern, it's R&B. It's grand and intricate, stimulating and serene, clamorous and euphoric, pleasant and lively and calming.

It is the harmony of these different sounds and feelings so precisely interwoven.

On stage, Washington, a tenor saxophonist, was joined by seven others: his father, Rickey Washington, who cycled between clarinet and flute, a vocalist, trombonist, keyboardist, bassist (playing both electric and upright), and two drummers each on full kits. 

My favorite moment was hearing "Humility" live. I love the opening lines of the brass and woodwind instruments, and my feet were feeling it, dancing in place with my shoulders in tow.

Here's a taste of the show:

And for those on Spotify, here's "Humility" in full:

Until next time, Philadelphia.

xxChris