Kamasi Washington releases “Prologue” and announces new album

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“Prologue” is the starting mark that the saxophonist Kamasi Washington shares with us for the premiere of his next studio album, Fearless Movement.

Kamasi Washington He is a multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles, California, his incredible musical achievement has established him as an icon of contemporary jazz – recognized mainly for his work as a saxophonist. Today, Washington announced that he has prepared the release of his new studio album, Fearless Movementand released the first single to accompany it, “Prologue”.

In “Prologue”, a restless percussion constantly breaks its own time and gives way to the play between piano and string chords. Suddenly, the saxophone Kamasi Washington makes its way by giving a breath of life to a motif that will define the subsequent free and energetic improvisation that the artist executes perfectly throughout the track. TO “Prologue” It does not lack instrumental textures, since all the sound elements are in a constant debate around the main motif of the song, which, although it returns on different occasions, never feels exactly the same. In the same way, the musical ensemble that Kamasi Washington form with its instrumentalists moves in an emotional swing that has well-marked ups and downs, which maintains a dynamic musical proposal from start to finish; culminating in an authentic sound explosion that little by little collects itself.

Fearless Movement It is the first studio album by Kamasi Washington since 2018 –with its previous Heaven & Earth–. The artist considers that this is in some way his foray into dance music and on the album we will be able to hear collaborations with artists such as Andre 3000, George Clinton and Thundercat. Another of the main influences on the album is the daughter of Washington and how fatherhood has transformed the way he perceives life.

It’s not literally a dance album…Dance is movement and expression, in some sense it’s the same as music – expressing your spirit through your body. “That’s what this album is trying to do,” he mentioned. Kamasi Washington about Fearless Movement.

We share the video of “Prologue”which was directed by AG Rojas and choreographed by Samantha Blake Goodman. The audiovisual proposal offers a perfect synchronicity between dance images and the spiritual music of Kamasi Washington. Fearless Movement It will be available next May 6th through Young Records.

Tracklist:

  1. “Lesanu”
  2. “Asha the First (feat. Thundercat, Taj Austin and Ras Austin)”
  3. “Computer Love (feat. Patrice Quinn, DJ Battlecat and Brandon Coleman)”
  4. “The Visionary (feat. Terrace Martin)”
  5. “Get Lit (feat. George Clinton)”
  6. “Dream State (feat. André 3000)”
  7. “Together (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid)”
  8. “The Garden Path”
  9. “Interstellar Peace (The Last Stance)”
  10. “Road to Self (KO)”
  11. “Lines in the Sand”
  12. “Prologue”
Staff

Written by

Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a dedicated writer and key contributor to the WECB website, Emerson College's student-run radio station. Passionate about music, radio communication, and journalism, Christopher pursues his craft with a blend of meticulous research and creative flair. His writings on the site cover an array of subjects, from music reviews and artist interviews to event updates and industry news. As an active member of the Emerson College community, Christopher is not only a writer but also an advocate for student involvement, using his work to foster increased engagement and enthusiasm within the school's radio and broadcasting culture. Through his consistent and high-quality outputs, Christopher Johnson helps shape the voice and identity of WECB, truly embodying its motto of being an inclusive, diverse, and enthusiastic music community.