Kamasi Washington

The Profile

Kamasi Washington is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader from Los Angeles, associated with the West Coast Get Down. He broke through with The Epic (2015), followed by Harmony of Difference (2017) and Heaven and Earth (2018), scored the Netflix documentary Becoming (2020), and released Fearless Movement (2024).

Known for expansive, spiritual-leaning compositions and powerful live shows; collaborations include Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat; composer of the Netflix documentary Becoming (2020).

Two reviews split the room: one hails Kamasi Washington’s live power and “prog jazz” intensity, the other pans a studio album as formulaic and overlong. The live set is praised for extended solos, band interplay, and danceable energy. Studio work is criticized for predictable crescendos and length. Notable live highlights mentioned: Truth and Fists of Fury.