“McCraven has spent the past decade cementing his status as one of the most individual voices in jazz” – The Guardian
Makaya McCraven has “quietly become one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality” (The New York Times). The Paris-born, Massachusetts-raised, Chicago-based drummer, composer, producer, and sonic collagist is a multi-talented “cultural synthesizer” whose inventive process and intuitive, cinematic sound defies categorization.
His newest album, In These Times, is the triumphant finale of a project 7+ years in the making. It’s a preeminent addition to his already-acclaimed and extensive discography, and it’s the album he’s been trying to make since he started making records.
For this very unique world debut, McCraven has assembled a large ensemble of his close collaborators, each an accomplished 21st century jazz musician in their own rite. In These Times releases September 23, of this year on International Anthem, Nonesuch & XL Recordings.
Featuring orchestral, large ensemble arrangements interwoven with the signature “organic beat music” sound that’s become his signature, the album is an evolution and a milestone for McCraven, the producer. But moreover, it’s the strongest and clearest statement we’ve yet to hear from McCraven, the composer.
