It's been three years since Kamasi Washington's official debut on Brainfeeder, the appropriately-titled The Epic 3LP. His follow-up is similarly sprawling, stretching out onto 4 LPs, with a bonus 5th disc containing an additional 35+ minutes of music. Washington explains: "The Earth side represents the world as I see it outwardly, the world that I am a part of. The Heaven side represents the world as I see it inwardly, the world that is a part of me." Heaven And Earth is an unwavering spiritual opus, and the anecdotal musings on Kamasi's nerddom ("Fists Of Fury," "Street Fighter Mas") only broaden the scope and humanity of his divine quest. A few highlights include "Vi Lua Vi Soul," "The Space Traveler's Lullaby," "Connections" and "Testify," but this set is best absorbed in its entirety. Recommended. Note: the fifth LP is hidden inside the middle panel of the gatefold under a corrugated seam, which must be cut open to access.

• 5xLP black vinyl pressing
• 4 LPs housed in printed inner sleeves
• 5th LP hidden inside gatefold packaging (must be cut open)
• 3-panel gatefold jacket
• music label: Young Turks Recordings

reviewed by big dumb man 06/2018