Kamasi Washington: The Epic (Brainfeeder/Inertia)

Kamasi Washington

THE EPIC (Brainfeeder/Inertia)

Kamasi Washington: The Epic

★★★★★

Let's cut to the chase, these three CDs likely represent the most essential music purchase of the year. Over three hours, saxophonist Kamasi Washington and his large ensemble take you on a voyage across the entire spectrum of spiritual soul jazz. It's not called The Epic for nothing. Anyone familiar with the independent jazz scene of the 1970s, such as Strata-East and Black Jazz Records, as well as the Impulse releases of Pharaoh Sanders or Eddie Gale's Blue Note albums will instantly recognise the headspace inhabited here. The earthy tenor of Clifford Jordan is an obvious influence upon Washington's playing, yet the band is so talented that no one dominates. Cameron Graves' inside/outside piano is a revelation, while the electric bass of Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner gives the whole proceeding a truly elastic strength. Updating standards such as Cherokee shows Washington can be smooth without losing his cool, while Leroy and Lanisha aims for free without sacrificing swing. The chance to see this music performed live at Soulfest in October should not be missed.