It had been nigh on six years since I last saw Kamasi Washington during which time we'd had Covid, wars, plus changes of government both here and abroad. Even Sage Gateshead had changed its name - once said to be carved in stone - to the Glasshouse.
Fortunately, Kamasi hadn't changed and the band seemed to be more or less the same as that which had rung my bell on May 21, 2019. All prestigious and prolific players who soloed at great length, although at times I felt that less would have been more - a bit like eating a dozen coffee creams when a couple would have satisfied. Nevertheless, the triple storied near full house loved it and I too applauded vociferously.
Most of the music was from his latest album, Fearless Movement and it's an album that will most surely appeal across the wide musical spectrum it covers.
Kamasi introduced each number (and each musician) with sincerity and humour. It was an enjoyable experience and one which I'm sure I'll repeat on the great man's next visit.
Earlier, we'd had a half hour support set from multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Emma-Jean Thackray who sang, played guitar and trumpet over some pre-recorded electronic wizardry on numbers from her most recent album Weirdo.
It was loud but Emma-Jean has the voice to handle it! Lance
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