# CD review: Kamasi Washington – Live At Newport 2021: Video, CD cover

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2021/11/01/cd-review-kamasi-washington-live-at-newport-2021-video-cd-cover/
- Published: 2021-11-01T21:04:36+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Speaking of overwhelming, I thought for a moment that tenor saxophonist Kamasi
Washington, the Quad stage headliner for Day 1, had blown out his microphone on 
his very first solo. The problem turned out to be just a bad cable, but still … 
phew. **

More than ever, Washington seems to be evolving into a younger generation’s version
of Pharoah Sanders, from the overall grace and largesse of his demeanor to the sense
of spirituality and Black consciousness that pours forth from his music to, yes,
his sheer intensity as a performer. You can never say he doesn’t bring it. Last 
time Washington played Newport, two years ago, it didn’t feel like his band quite
matched that power; this time, with slightly different membership (including Ben
Williams on acoustic bass), they were far less laid-back, frequently and pleasurably
edging into total-assault territory. “Sun Kissed Child” was a moving highlight, 
with solo spots for Washington’s father Rickey on flute, DJ Battlecat on turntables,
and Tony Austin, one of two drummers and two percussionists on stage.

For the last set of the day, the Texas trio Khruangbin, makers of Southeast Asia-
influenced mostly instrumental surf/funk/dub, occupied the Lawn stage. Bassist Laura
Lee clearly has a sizable fan club, based on the contingent of hipsters who were
down front cheering her every slinky move. The music she and her male colleagues(
guitarist Mark Speer and drummer DJ Johnson Jr.) played was perhaps a tad _too_ 
hip to engage our interest completely, but it certainly made a nice sound for the
post-meridian, sending us back over Newport Harbor on a cloud of reverb.

1. Intro 2:20
 2. Drive 8:13 3. Announcement 4:56 4. Sun Kissed Child 16:59 5. Truth
14:54 6. Hub-Tones [Freddie Hubbard] 10:51 7. Fists of Fury 12:28

Newport Jazz Festival. Ft Adams State Park, Newport, RI; July 30, 2021
 **Kamasi
Washington – saxophone** **Rickey Washington – flute, soprano sax** **Dontae Winslow–
trumpet** **Lemar Guillary – trombone** **Cameron Graves – piano, keyboards** **
DJ Battlecat – turntables** **Tony Austin – drums** **Ronald Bruner Jr – drums****
Ben Williams – stand up bass** **Kahlil Cummings – percussion** **Allakoi Peete (
Alakoie Pete) – percussion** **Patrice Quinn – vocals**

![roio » Blog Archive » JAZZ ON SUNDAY: KAMASI WASHINGTON - NEWPORT 2021](https://
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7y2BHyfBnwiPXh0VtB6V3z58qay7KVRfcaEYg)

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