Kamasi Washington followed up the release of his critically acclaimed album The Epic with a live performance at Los Angeles’ Regent Theater. In addition to Washington’s 10-piece working band (called ‘The Next Step’ or ‘The West Coast Get Down’), a choir, a string section, a live DJ, and special guests (including Kamasi’s father, Rickey Washington) managed to fit onstage.
NPR’s video splices seven featured songs from the concert with interviews with Washington and members of his band. A prerequisite for enjoying the webcast is embracing the “more is more” mentality that connects Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, and Kendrick Lamar’s latest records. The musicians hold nothing back in a performance meant for a standing-room only crowd, and their camaraderie is as evident as their musicianship. You can watch ‘The Epic’ live in concert below courtesy of NPR’s Jazz Night in America.