Kamasi Washington Reveals New Album 'Fearless Movement' Featuring Star Collaborations and Announces 2024 US Tour

Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington has excited the music world with the announcement of his upcoming album titled Fearless Movement. Alongside the news, he released the album's leading single, 'Prologue', which exhibits an energetic jazz arrangement with vibrant trumpet leads and an accompanying visual filled with captivating dance choreography by Samantha Blake Goodman. The video for 'Prologue' was directed by AG Rojas, who has been a frequent collaborator with Washington.

In a press statement, Washington highlighted that Fearless Movement is his exploration of dance music, though not in the conventional sense. Instead, he views dance as a spirit expressed through the body, much like how music channels spirit through sound. He connects this concept with life's motions, heavily influenced by his experiences as a new father—a perspective that has shaped his music profoundly.

The album, which represents an introspection into daily life, morphed into form following the birth of Washington's child. Parenthood brought a newfound awareness of life's cycle to the musician, inspiring the sounds and themes of the album. Washington's own daughter made a creative contribution to the album as well, with a melody she developed on piano for the track 'Asha The First'.

An impressive lineup of artists will be featured on Fearless Movement, including André 3000 impressing with flute, funk legend George Clinton, soulful vocalist BJ The Chicago Kid, rapper D-Smoke, the talents of Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Patrice Quinn, Brandon Coleman, DJ Battlecat, and others.

Furthermore, the album will contain the track 'The Garden Path', which Washington premiered on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, marking his late-night TV debut in 2022. The album is slated to release on May 3rd and is currently available for pre-save and pre-order.

Following the album release, Kamasi Washington is set to embark on a US tour, starting at the Beacon Theatre in New York on May 4th. The tour will traverse several cities including Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and features a special event at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, co-curated with jazz icon Herbie Hancock. The tour promises to be a showcase of Washington's newest work and musical evolution.

album, tour, collaboration