Kamasi Washington chose his Sunday show at the Hollywood Bowl to debut his cover of “My Friend of Misery” by Metallica. The celebrated saxophonist was joined by Metallica bandmates Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo for the cover, as well as bassist Thundercat.
Washington is just one of the dozens of artists set to appear on the upcoming, 53-track The Metallica Blacklist tribute album. The compilation—set to arrive on September 10th—will celebrate 30 years of The Black Album. Washington is one of four musicians to offer individual covers of “My Friend of Misery”, alongside Rodrigo y Gabriela, Izïa, and Cherry Glazerr.
Related: Jason Isbell Covers Metallica’s “Sad But True” For ‘Blacklist’ Compilation [Watch]
During Washington’s Sunday performance—which saw him sharing the bill with Earl Sweatshirt—the lauded instrumentalist was joined throughout the evening by Thundercat. Ahead of the show, Washington teased that there would be “some serious inspiration on stage,” and he delivered on that promise when he also brought out the respective Metallica guitarist and bassist. Washington’s arrangement of the song, unsurprisingly, is far funkier than on the groundbreaking metal album. Despite those stylistic differences, Washington’s version still boasts the raw energy found in Metallica’s version, with his blistering saxophone solo saying just as much as James Hetfield can growl.
Watch Kamasi Washington debut his cover of “My Friend of Misery” by Metallica with Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, and Thundercat at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday.
Kamasi Washington, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, Thundercat – “My Friend of Misery” (Metallica) – Los Angeles, CA – 7/18/21
[Video: Brian James]
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[H/T Brooklyn Vegan]