This is a must watch! Kamasi Washington has released the Jazz Record of the Year in many people’s opinions, and this live performance will show you why. Featuring a heavy lineup of Los Angeles musicians, “The Epic” is such a fitting name to this man’s album.
Watch NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” concert documentary about Washington’s album.
Making a “best of” year-end list is always difficult for me. The main reason is because I can’t remember what came out in January! Stay tuned for the last Forward Listening of 2011, which will feature my absolute favorite cuts of the past 365. While I haven’t nearly completed the list, here are a couple of sure bets. Much much more to come…
LDFD – “Outtacontrol”
Mark de Clive-Lowe – “Koko & Lee Roe”
Velella Velella – “BBQ Claus I & II”
Agnes Obel – “Close Watch” (December 2010)
Bing Ji Ling – “Dreaming”
Robin Hannibal – “Transit”
Bombino – “Tar Hani (My Love)”
Dengue Fever – “Uku”
Kraak & Smaak – “Wasted With a Smile”
Amerigo Gazaway / Fela Soul – “Breakadawn”
Thundercat – “Boat Cruise”
This is jazz for 2011…Some real, nitty gritty, space funk, jazzadelic, herbie vs. george duke type of goodness. Thundercat is a bassist out of Los Angeles. His debut solo record is produced by Flying Lotus and is out now on Brainfeeder. Enjoy this one in the car at the beginning or end of your day.