Becoming (Music From The Netflix Original Documentary)

Los Angeles saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s selection to compose the music for “Becoming,” director Nadia Hallgren’s documentary-film companion to Michelle Obama’s 2018 memoir, seems fitting. Washington’s music embodies the once-in-a-generation vision, uplift, and hope of the Obama presidency, making him a natural choice for the project. His compositions evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection, particularly when juxtaposed with footage from the Obama era.

“Becoming” features 15 tracks, showcasing a concise side of Washington’s musical style. While his previous albums, like “The Epic” or “Heaven and Earth,” often sprawled over lengthy runtimes, here he demonstrates brevity, wrapping pop-friendly motifs in expansive arrangements. Despite the limited duration, Washington experiments with various approaches, displaying versatility in his compositions.

Throughout the soundtrack, Washington’s saxophone occasionally takes a backseat to his intricate charts and arrangements. However, his melodic core shines through, blending elements of jazz with soulful organ, strings, and brass. Tracks like “Provocation” convey the dramatic tension of pivotal moments in President Obama’s tenure, while others, such as “Song for Fraser,” evoke a poignant sense of nostalgia and longing.

While some pieces resemble condensed versions of Washington’s album tracks, they occasionally lack the sustained mood found in his longer works. Nevertheless, tracks like “Fashion Then and Now” showcase Washington’s ability to create evocative atmospheres with his music.

The standout track, “Song for Fraser,” captures the essence of a Stan Getz ballad, with Washington’s velvety tone and emotive vibrato conveying a deep sense of longing. Its brevity adds to its poignancy, particularly when paired with Michelle Obama’s reminiscence of her late father.