Drums and grooves are leading the ‘organic beat music’ of Chicago drummer/producer Makaya McCraven, who made a strong debut with the album In the Moment.
Makaya McCraven calls himself a ‘beat scientist’: his acclaimed debut album In the Moment was culled from 48 hours of live recordings which he dubbed and remixed in the studio into one continuous set. Its sound is all but sterile and has been described as ‘organic beat music’. Drums, beats and grooves connect the improvisations with well-known players from the Chicago scene, including Marquis Hill, Jeff Parker (Tortoise) and Joshua Abrams. Makaya’s method has been drawing comparisons with hip-hop DJs and with Miles Davis-producer Teo Macero.
As a jazz drummer, Makaya McCraven has performed with Archie Shepp, Yusef Lateef and Bobby Broom, among others. With his own band he has opened for the likes of Kamasi Washington, Wu-Tang Clan, 50 Cent and Mixmaster Mike.
Click here to read the blog by Vera Vingerhoeds on Makaya McCraven.
