Kamasi Washington made his television debut on Wednesday with an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The spot served as a double dose of debut as the multi-instrumentalist offered the live premiere of his new single, “The Garden Path”, released earlier that day.
“The Garden Path” arrives in typically grandiose style for Washington. An expansive band of all kinds of backing instruments instantly establishes a dense rhythmic backdrop, offset with record scratches, cello strokes, keyboard flourishes, and much more. At the sonic center, Washington’s roaring saxophone propels the track as backup singers and a chorus of horns sends it over the top.
“The world feels turned upside down,” Washington said of the song. “There’s so much push and pull in every direction, from everyone you meet—no one knows what to think, who to believe, or how to approach life right now. No matter how smart you are, it’s hard not to feel blind.”
The track marks Washington’s first new release in nearly a year. In 2021, the musician/producer/composer contributed “Sun Kissed Child” to The Undefeated’s Music For The Movement series as well as a cover of “My Friend of Misery” to The Metallica Blacklist compilation.
Watch Kamasi Washington perform “The Garden Path” on Fallon below or stream the track on your preferred platform.
Kamasi Washington – “The Garden Path”