Kamasi Washington: Fearless Movement in Taipei

On June 3rd, 2025, I had the privilege of seeing Kamasi Washington’s Fearless Movement tour at Legacy Taipei, and it was everything you’d hope for—and maybe more.

This wasn’t some scaled-down tour setup. The full ensemble was there in all their power and chemistry. Kamasi himself was in top form on tenor saxophone, effortlessly blending lyricism with that cosmic energy he’s known for.

Brandon Coleman was an absolute standout on keys and vocoder—his synth textures and soulful runs pulled the music into unexpected, expansive places. Ryan Porter on trombone brought a warm, brassy counterpoint to Kamasi’s lines. On drums, Tony Austin and Ronald Bruner Jr. traded grooves with such precision and fire it was almost hypnotic. Miles Mosley anchored everything with his upright bass, blending funk and jazz in a way only he can.

And of course, Patrice Quinn brought her unmistakable vocals—floating, fierce, and tender all at once. Every time she stepped forward, the room shifted.

One of the most striking things was the crowd itself: a vibrant mix of young Taiwanese and international fans, many in their twenties, completely locked into the experience. It was refreshing to see such a diverse audience come together around music that can be as challenging as it is joyful.

Kamasi shared a few personal stories between songs and opened the night by declaring, “I love Taiwan,” which drew huge cheers—a small but meaningful gesture in a place where cultural and political recognition resonates.

After more than two hours of music that felt both grounded and transcendent, the audience was on their feet, screaming for an encore that never came—Legacy’s curfew finally won out. But even without one more song, the performance felt whole. It was the kind of night that reminded me how live music can reach across generations, languages, and borders—and feel utterly necessary.