Acclaimed Los Angeles saxophonist, KAMASI WASHINGTON, who exploded onto the world jazz scene like a supernova in 2015 with his acclaimed debut album, ‘The Epic,’ is back with a brand new set of recordings that underline his importance in reviving public interest in the genre and making it seem hip again.
Whereas ‘The Epic’ was a humongous, sprawling triple album, ‘Harmony Of Difference’ is almost minimalist by comparison – though it’s about 32-minutes long, it’s actually described as an EP and comprises six thematically-linked tracks each with single-word titles: they are ‘Desire,’ ‘Humility,’ Knowledge,’ ‘Perspective,’ ‘Integrity,’ and ‘Truth.’ The latter track, a beautifully cinematic 13-minute groove ballad, is arguably the EP’s most impressive cut and its use of a choir and string orchestra recreates the widescreen feel of ‘The Epic.’ In sharp contrast, ‘Humility’ is a hard bop-style swinger that is redolent with echoes of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers while ‘Integrity’ evinces a vibrant Afro-Cuban feel with its Latin rhythms and percussion. While jazz fans await the saxophonist’s next full long player with bated breath, this EP will fill the gap nicely.
Kamasi Washington is set to play the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in May 2018.
‘HARMONY IN DIFFERENCE’ IS OUT NOW VIA YOUNG TURKS ON VINYL, CD, AND DOWNLOAD
