A captivating yet inviting experience...
Makaya McCraven is a contemporary jazz artist. The drummer and bandleader has been pushing the boundaries of the genre since his teenage years, when he was a founding member of the jazz-hop group Cold Duck Complex, which performed alongside acts like Pharcyde and Digable Planets. Since then, he has collaborated with numerous musicians (including Kamasi Washington and Jeff Parker), created an impressive reinterpretation of Gil-Scott Heron’s ‘I’m New Here,’ and released several solo albums, with his 2022 work ‘In These Times’ standing out.
His music is deeply soulful, perpetually curious, and quite accessible, even for those who aren’t jazz enthusiasts. However, his latest compilation ‘Off The Record’ may initially appear overwhelming. It consists of four EPs, recorded at different times and featuring various musicians, each exploring their own sonic landscapes, yet packaged together as an expansive double album. While it may seem like a lot to absorb, the 20 tracks within are incredibly enjoyable, filled with vibrant, colorful detours through improvised nu jazz, instrumental hip-hop, and intriguing electronic influences.
The first EP, ‘Techno Logic,’ prominently features Theon Cross, known for his work with Sons Of Kemet, on tuba. The track ‘Technology’ is particularly remarkable, reminiscent of the electronic-infused sound of groups like Red Snapper. Cross’ deep tuba tones, combined with McCraven’s rapid drumming, create a beautifully hypnotic effect. The subsequent four-track collection ‘The People’s Mixtape’ takes a more straightforward approach, with standout vibraphone contributions from frequent collaborator Joel Ross. Though the vibraphone is often underutilized, the gentle chimes on ‘What a Life’ and the intricate details on the highlight ‘Lake Shore Drive Five’ offer warm and delightful listening.
The third EP, ‘Hidden Out!,’ was assembled from a Chicago residency that McCraven held in 2017. It is the least cohesive of the four but boasts some fun, remarkable moments. ‘News Feed’ serves as a rhythmic tour de force, with drums that are almost psychedelic in their subtle, trance-inducing quality. Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker adds his distinctive sound to the amorphous yet engaging track ‘Battleships,’ which features driving bass rhythms. Lastly, ‘PopUp Shop’ is the oldest collection of tracks on ‘Off The Record,’ recorded in 2015. Although it’s the least memorable of the EPs, it includes the immersive, nighttime soundscapes of ‘Los Gatos.’
The most impressive aspect of this extensive collection, both in terms of musicianship and time, especially considering its improvisational nature, is that it never wears your patience thin. The final five tracks are the least striking, but the earlier selections, particularly in the first half, are mesmerizing. This album is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts appreciating its adventurous modern styles, as well as broadly inviting for general listeners, despite its seemingly daunting exterior.
8/10
Words: Tom Morgan
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Makaya McCraven is a contemporary jazz artist. As a drummer and bandleader, he has been pushing the limits of the genre since his teenage years, when he was establishing