Jazz has enjoyed few truly revolutionary albums in recent years, but 2015’s aptly-titled The Epic, composed and led by Kamasi Washington, was globally acclaimed as a visionary masterpiece. Over three discs, the LA tenor saxophonist revisited and resuscitated the overlooked genre called “spiritual jazz” which, using Miles Davis and John Coltrane as launch-pads, became infused with mystical, cosmic and funky elements in its quest for celebration and liberation between the late 60s and early 70s. Usually found on independent labels, the albums were ignored by critics and sales were low, leading to the movement’s decline, despite its influence on Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye and Tim Buckley.
Responding to the new audience opened up by Washington, Ace has compiled ten shapeshifting gems from names including Gary Bartz, Joe Henderson & Alice Coltrane, Azar Lawrence, Charles Earland, Roy Brooks, Joe Chambers, Carlos Garnett, Hampton Hawes and Oliver Nelson, who provides the album with a fittingly spectral, orchestral finale.
Funky, sometimes fierce, but blessed with an internal current which can float like a luminescent butterfly or soar to the heavens, this is still inspiring music for the mind, soul and feet. Its regeneration can only be welcomed and this lustrous set hailed as another new genre benchmark.
Kris Needs/Record Collector