Saxophonist Kamasi Washington was born and raised in Los Angeles, where he graduated from the academy of music and performing arts at Alexander Hamilton High School. He won the John Coltrane Music Competition at the age of 18. Later, while studying ethnomusicology at UCLA, Washington began playing with faculty members Gerald Wilson, Kenny Burrell and Billy Higgins.

In 2004 Washington recorded with Cameron Graves, Stephen Bruner and Ronald Bruner, Jr. as the Young Jazz Giants and released his first album as a leader a year later. His 2015 record “The Epic” received numerous awards, as did his 2018 effort “Heaven and Earth” and the EP “Harmony of Difference.” In 2020 Washington formed the supergroup Dinner Party along with Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper and 9th Wonder.

Along with working as a leader, Kamasi Washington has appeared as a sideman on recordings by Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Harvey Mason, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, St. Vincent and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, and in concert with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chaka Khan and Lauren Hill.

Washington's wife is fellow jazz musician Fatima Zohra Washington, who uses the stage name Ami Taf Ra.

Here is a link to a 2024 NPR Tiny Desk Concert featuring Washington and his band:

"TINY DESK CONCERT"