On the eve of a UK tour that takes in Glastonbury and the Proms, the saxophonist discusses music’s pivotal role in promoting racial equality in the US. What has been dubbed “the second civil rights movement” is unfolding, like the first, against a backdrop of music.
Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington says he will premiere new music when he plays the BBC Proms in August. It will be the first new material from the musician since his ambitious triple album The Epic was released last year.
The words ‘This Is Not A Moment, This Is A Movement’ adorn hoisted homemade placards. Screen printed slogans such as ‘Demilitarise the Police’ and ‘Am I Next?’ are emblazoned on t-shirts. People are clapping, singing, marching, fighting back in a united endeavour for judicial reform.
Alabama Shakes and Kamasi Washington are among the leading nominees for this year's 5th Annual Libera Awards, a celebration of the independent music scene that caps A2IM's Indie Week conference held this summer in New York City. The Libera Awards will be held at Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom in NYC on June 16.
The jazz saxophonist and Kendrick Lamar collaborator talks about his past year in the spotlight. Washington is a magnet — whether it’s his stature or his playing, you can’t help but notice him.