Makaya McCraven – Universal Beings E & F Sides

In his Youtube documentary, Universal Beings, Makaya McCraven breaks down the creative process behind his unique mix of jazz. First, he’ll improvise live with different groups of musicians; “then, I’ll flip it,” says the Chicago-based drummer/producer. “And then we can pass it onto another person who can flip that. And then that could be re-flipped…I like to find more creative ways to pull a fifth or six dimension out of the music.” McCraven has employed this technique with great effect, blurring the lines between bandleader and beat scientist.

For Universal Beings E&F Sides, McCraven offers a mix of new and remixed compositions inspired by Universal Beings, his critically acclaimed 2018 album. On album opener “Everybody Cool,” the bones of “A Queen’s Intro” are still there—from McCraven’s warm welcome to the crowd, to Joel Ross’ rhythmic vibraphone chords—but the cadence shifts from a hip-hop-centered stomp to a sauntering, tropical groove.

“The Loneliness” picks up where “Prosperity’s Fear” left off, right as the arrangement dissolves and Shabaka Hutchings starts pulling tranquil tones from his saxophone. E&F Sides presents the full track, which simmers quietly as McCraven, double bassist Junius Paul and cellist Tomeka Reid play softly in the background.

Therein lies the brilliance of Universal Beings E&F Sides and McCraven himself: he gets multiple uses out of older material, spinning it into something equally fresh and resonant. That he gave new life to an already-stellar album makes him one of the most innovative creators in jazz as he brings the genre well and truly into the 21st century.

Tracklist:
Everybody Cool
Half Steppin'
Mak Attack
The Hunt
Beat Science
Dadada
Isms
Traveling Space
Kings And Queens
The Loneliness
Her Name
Universal Beings Pt 2
Butterss Fly
The Way Home