Drummer/producer Makaya McCraven brings together "future-is-now drumming” with his roots in jazz and world music to form his unique and powerful sound. Regarded as “one of Chicago’s most versatile and in demand drummers” (Chicago Reader) and described by Downbeat Magazine as “exceptional on the drums,” Makaya McCraven moves between genres at lightning speed.
Makaya has been called “one of the hardest drummers on the live music circuit” (revivalist.okayplayer.com). He has worked with an array of world class musicians including Archie Shepp, Yusef Lateef, Bernie Worrell, Soulive, Samba Mapangala, Charles Neville, Fareed Haque, Marcus Strickland, Tony Monaco, Willie Pickens, Lionel Louke, and Bobby Broom.
Makaya has recorded extensively across genres. His debut record as a leader, "Split Decision" (Chicago Sessions, 2012) was well received getting critical acclaim from the Chicago Tribune, Jazz Weekly, All about Jazz and reaching #6 for Blaze Radios top #25 in 2012. This record, which reached first round Grammy consideration, along with his 13 piece all-star band’s featured performance at Pritzker Pavillion at Millennium Park, quickly established Makaya as one of the leading voices on the Chicago music scene. His forthcoming January 2015 release, “In the Moment” (International Anthem Records) forges new routes in creative music, incorporating electronic elements and improvised music, includes award-winning artists Jeff Parker (Tortoise), Marquis Hill (2014 Monk competition winner) and D’Sean Jones (Underground Resistance).
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