Kamasi Washington: The Epic (3LP) [BRAINFEEDER]

Why you'll love it

The Epic lives up to its name: a nearly three-hour spiritual jazz statement that brought a whole new generation to jazz and made Kamasi Washington a star.

This edition

• 3LP set
• Brainfeeder pressing with gatefold
• 180g vinyl
• Poster included
• Pressed in the EU

About the album

Debut albums are usually a way of saying hello. Kamasi Washington's arrived as a sprawling, three-volume, nearly three-hour journey on Flying Lotus's Brainfeeder label, recorded with his L.A. crew, the West Coast Get Down, plus a 32-piece orchestra and a 20-voice choir.

Thundercat, Ronald Bruner Jr., Cameron Graves, Brandon Coleman and Miles Mosley power long, soaring pieces that draw on Coltrane, soul, funk and film music. "Change of the Guard" opens with a tidal wave of sound, "The Rhythm Changes" features Patrice Quinn's lovely vocal, and "Malcolm's Theme" is stirring and grand.

Critics went wild, and The Epic won the first American Music Prize. Put it on, settle in, and let it carry you away.

Also at Kops: more Kamasi Washington on vinyl · browse Modern Jazz

Tracklist

Listen

On Brainfeeder (cat# BF050), the 2015 album.