Talking about throwing down the gauntlet for a debut album. I don’t think ANYONE’S ever released three complete compact discs (3 hours) as their initial album. WHEW!
Well, it’s not like tenor saxist Kamasi Washington is a neophyte. He’s been in the LA scene for years, as a member of Gerald Wilson’s Big Band and seemingly at the Blue Whale at least once a month. Still, this album is feels like a catharsis of ideas that have been pent up over the years. The music covers a wide swath of Washington’s musical inspirations, from boppers like Donald Byrd to Coltrane to Ayler to Pharoah Sanders to Pan-Africa and even a bit of Booker T and the MGs. There are sounds here that are immediately familiar, and Washington’s tone and delivery can go from Ben Webster fog to Ayler shrieks without batting an eye.
The musicians wax and wane, with strings, vocal choirs and effects that are sometimes Wagnerian in scope and size. At times here is a string orchestra and vocal choir conducted by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and along with two bassists, drummers, bassits, keyboardists along with a trumpet and trombone player, there is even some singing by Patrice Quinn. Sometimes you get B3 bluesy and shadowy pieces such as “Isabelle” and then there are hints of Coltrane-era Africa with a stampede of earthy horns that charge along on”Final Thought.” Sounds reminiscent of The Ring Cycle create kaleidoscopic sounds on “Change of the Guard” “Re Run” and “Magnificent 7” where it appears that the sky is about to open and angelic beings will swoop down to earth. It’s almost like an audio form of a Cecile B Demille film with a panoply of extras. Other moments take you to a pensive and thoughtful “Clare de Lune” with lovely piano work, while a read of “Cherokee” is as funky as anything this side of Stax Records. Through each moment, Washington’s solos are clever, passionate, visceral and yet always accessible and logical. He makes outside seem inside, and has a great musical moral compass. There is a lot to digest here, and each listen gives added delights. Go for it!