Washington and Melbourne, together once more.
A modern powerhouse of jazz, soul and Afrobeat, Kamasi Washington is a wizard of rhythm and a true force on stage. Having graced our shores for a short run of headline shows and festival appearances just last year, Washington is set to return this October as part of Melbourne International Arts Festival.
Starting out as a session musician, Washington collaborated with everyone from Herbie Hancock to Snoop Dogg before perking ears and piquing interest with his work on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. Since then, the American jazz saxophonist has turned his attention to composing, producing and performing with his own band.
In 2015, Washington’s The Epic marked a new space for contemporary jazz by incorporating elements of electronica, trance, soul and Afrobeat into the mix. His subsequent release, 2018’s Heaven and Earth was met with critical praise and further propelled the multidisciplinary artist into the spotlight.
Known for his transcendent performances bursting with explosive rhythm, soul and intricate solos, a performance by Kamasi Washington is not to be missed.
Kamasi Washington comes to Arts Centre Melbourne as part of Melbourne International Arts Festival on Tuesday October 8. For tickets, head to the festival website.
