Kamasi Washington
Tenor saxophonist who made spiritual jazz a big-stage sound, with a large band, choir-scale arrangements and solos that take their time.
About Kamasi Washington
Kamasi Washington grew up in South Los Angeles, the son of a saxophonist, and came through the city's jazz and session scenes alongside a circle of childhood friends later known as the West Coast Get Down, including Thundercat and Miles Mosley. Before leading his own records he worked as a sideman across jazz, R&B and hip-hop, and he played on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly.
His 2015 debut for Brainfeeder, The Epic, ran close to three hours across three discs and set the template: two drummers, upright and electric bass, strings and a choir behind long, patient tenor solos. Heaven and Earth followed in 2018, and Fearless Movers in 2024 pared the sound back toward a tighter band.
Listen
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Kamasi Washington at a glance
Where is Kamasi Washington from?
Kamasi Washington is from Los Angeles, CA.
What kind of music does Kamasi Washington play?
Kamasi Washington is tagged jazz and spiritual jazz.
What festivals has Kamasi Washington played before?
Kamasi Washington has played FORM Arcosanti 2026.
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