The Epic – Kamasi Washington

The Epic is Kamasi Washington’s debut studio album, released in 2015 via the Brainfeeder label. This three-volume work is a long-form project that documents the maturity of one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.

The record integrates a core ensemble of ten musicians—the heart of the West Coast Get Down—reinforced by a string section and a celestial choir. The rich and diverse instrumentation allows Washington to explore the frontier between modal jazz, funk, spiritual music, and modern orchestral arrangements.

Through seventeen compositions, the album articulates a narrative that connects the past with the future. From reinterpretations of standards like "Cherokee" to the emotional depth of "Malcolm's Theme," the record balances the complexity of written scores with sections of wild, organic improvisation, establishing itself as a pillar of the contemporary Los Angeles sound.