The new music is an original six part suite that explores the philosophical possibilities of the musical technique known as “counterpoint,” which Washington defines as “the art of balancing similarity and difference to create harmony between separate melodies.” Beyond the artistic impulse to expand the possibilities within counterpoint, Washington wanted to create something that opened people’s minds to the gift of diversity.Įach of the first five movements is its own unique composition. Rojas and also featuring artwork by Kamasi Washington’s sister, Amani Washington. Harmony of Difference premiered as part of the Whitney Museum of American Art 2017 Biennial alongside a film by A.G. Seriously spiritual and surprisingly groovy, 'Heaven & Earth' incorporates Marvin-esque soul, Old Testament intensity and soaring, searing solos into a breathtaking vision of jazz's next incarnation. STAFF COMMENTS Patrick says: The man responsible for turning a younger generation of music lovers onto the passion and power of jazz returns with the bombastic brilliance of his sophomore LP. Who I am and the choices I make lie somewhere in between.” The Heaven side of this album represents the world as I see it inwardly, the world that is a part of me. The Earth side of this album represents the world as I see it outwardly, the world that I am a part of. We are simultaneously the creators of our personal universe and creations of our personal universe. The reality we experience is a mere creation of our consciousness, but our consciousness creates this reality based on those very same experiences. “The world that my mind lives in, lives in my mind.” This idea inspired me to make this album Heaven & Earth. Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Ronald Bruner, Jr., Cameron Graves, Brandon Coleman, Miles Mosley, Patrice Quinn, Tony Austin and many more contribute to the album.Ĭlocking in at two and a half colossal hours of music, 'Heaven & Earth' is available on double deluxe CD and a four piece vinyl housed in bespoke double gatefold sleeve The music was composed, written and arranged by Washington, with new arrangements of jazz and bebop legend Freddie Hubbard’s “Hubtones” and iconic kung fu film theme “Fists of Fury,” as well as one song by bandmate Ryan Porter. Washington convened his band, The Next Step, as well as members of the long running collective The West Coast Get Down at Henson Studios in Los Angeles to record the 16 tracks on Heaven & Earth.

A further investigation of Washington’s world building ideas, the new album explores his reckoning with current global chaos and his vision for the future. The long-awaited follow up to Washington’s debut 'The Epic', 'Heaven & Earth' is comprised of two halves, which find Washington confronting quotidian realities with cosmic themes.

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