With The Epic (2015) saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and producer Kamasi Washington made one of the most discussed modern jazz debut albums of the last two decades. A beguiling triptych filled with subtle influences from hip hop, R&B, Latin and African music. Yet the 36-year-old American is so much more than just another crossover artist. Born and raised in Los Angeles, this all-rounder has a real background in jazz. When in high school he already formed The Young Jazz Giants, a quartet that included bassist Thundercat, and from which the other members still form the basis of his current band. Kamasi, who has worked with legends like McCoy Tyner, Gerald Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Quincy Jones, NAS, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus in past years, performed at North Sea Jazz with the Metropole Orkest last year. This year he will join us with his band The Next Step, with whom he adds a modern twist to the big band sound.
