“Fearless Movement” – Kamasi Washington

Album: Fearless Movement

Artist: Kamasi Washington

Year: 2024

Genre: Spiritual Jazz

Grade: A-

The third major release by tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington, 2024’s Fearless Movement, is his most succinct album yet: it’s only 90 minutes, which is half as long as his two previous LPs. Despite the relatively short runtime, Washington still reaches for the stars and grasps all that he can. What he comes back with is a slightly more accessible version of his ambitious sound — more funk and fusion this time around, along with features from notable names like Andre 3000 (on flute), George Clinton and BJ the Chicago Kid. Washington is more earthbound now, but still far enough out there to remain at the forefront of jazz experimentation in the 2020s. For music fans who need affirmation that the genre is still capable of being viable and visionary over 100 years after its invention, Fearless Movement will provide the solace you crave.

NOTES & CHORDS

• I liken Fearless Movement to Flying Lotus’ 2014 album You’re Dead!! Both albums come at a point in their respective creators’ careers where their crossover popularity is at an all-time high, which results in collaborations with already-legendary hip-hop stars (in the case of Flying Lotus, You’re Dead!! featured guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg). The sound is slightly more compromised than previous classics but will still satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike.

• I don’t mind Washington’s explorations of jazz fusion, funk and more vocal-oriented music, but it’s certainly not as original or expansive as his trademark “spiritual” sound. Either way, there is first-rate musicianship on all songs throughout Fearless Movement: Washington won’t necessarily wow you with his playing, but the sense of synergy and spirit of collaboration within his band is top-notch. Every tune feels like a live show.

• Echoes of Kendrick Lamar’s “Mortal Man” on the one-minute, Terrace Martin-featuring “The Visionary.” Pac? Pac??

• The final four songs are my favorite (“Road to Self (KO),” “Interstellar Peace (The Last Stance),” “Lines in the Sand” and “Prologue”). This concluding stanza (which lasts 34 minutes) returns Washington to his spiritual jazz roots — an ever-searching sound that straddles post-bop and free jazz and pays loving homage to John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders and late-1970s era Sun Ra.

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