This has been in my drafts folder for months, basically since Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show back in January, which really seems like years ago now. I was waiting for the inspiration to properly express my appreciation for Kamasi Washington, not to mention Patrice Quinn and all the other musicians that are in that glorious Los Angeles constellation.

I got tired of waiting. So, just… enjoy these. They’re amazing.

First, a lovely cover that I first heard on Kamasi’s 2018 EP The Choice. This live rendition is definitely worth the time.

Second, my favorite of his. This is one of those live recordings that make me wish I’d been in the room then. If you’re looking at the folks playing with him and asking yourself: “is that…?” then you’re probably right.

Our minds, our bodies, our feelings
They change, they alter, they leave us
Somehow, no matter what happens
I’m here

The time, the season, the weather
The song, the music, the rhythm
It seems no matter what happens
I’m here

Daylight seems bright
Because of night
It’s shade we need
So we can see

Our love, our beauty, our genius
Our work, our triumph, our glory
Won’t worry what happened before me
I’m here