After two imposing albums of spiritual and orchestral jazz-funk, Californian composer and tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington takes a (small) stylistic step aside by offering what he describes as a “danceable” album. Just a little less opulent (or bombastic?) than the previous ones, Fearless Movement actually offers some titles eyeing hip-hop and funk, starting with Asha the First (with friend Thundercat playing electric bass); further, the funk legend George Clinton offers us Get Lit. Now, if Washington once again recalls the influence of Coltrane – from the brilliant Lesanu in the opening, on which pianist Cameron Graves shines, or on the epic Road to Self —, it is by injecting a good dose of fusion synths into its grooves spiritual things that it takes us by surprise. It smells good Zawinul and Hancock on Computer Lovein the orchestration of the delicate Dream State (with André 3000 on flutes) and on the languorous Interstellar Peace. A diverse and captivating album.
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