UK dates for Kamasi Washington

Los Angeles based saxophonist Kamasi Washington has announced an extensive US and international tour schedule beginning at the end of July through to the end of November 2015, including two dates in the UK.

Washington has thrilled audiences with his critically acclaimed new release ‘The Epic’. It's suitably titled, a mammoth three hour, three CD album of weighty compositions with a choir and army of phenomenal musicians. The core band are The West Coast Get Down who have played together since high school. They pooled resources to block book a studio and in 30 days cut over 120 songs, giving Kamasi 45 pieces to choose from. The short list became 17 outstanding showpiece cuts that have captured the imagination of the jazz media and taste makers alike with deep spiritual jazz to funk laden juggernauts reminiscent of classic recordings by Sun Ra, Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders. 

Washington has played with Wayne Shorter, Gerald Wilson, Harvey Mason, Snoop Dogg and Lauryn Hill and also contributed to the latest albums by rapper Kendrick Lamar, producer Flying Lotus and fellow West Coast Get Down member bass player Thundercat.

See Kamasi Washington November 13th at the Lantern in Bristol and November 14th as part of EFG London Jazz Festival at the Barbican with DJ Gilles Peterson and a wider show including GoGo Penguin and choreography from Lynne Page.