Up to now drummer/producer Makaya McCraven’s cut-and-paste releases have been one stage of an ongoing cycle of live performance and studio technique — recordings of gigs, chopped up in the studio, became the basis of new performances down the line. McCraven blurred boundaries and fused hip-hop’s sharp-edged production techniques with the underground bounce of improvised jazz.
His new album In These Times is based on recordings of live gigs, studio sessions and rehearsals that were made, mostly in Chicago, over the past seven years. Compared to what went before, the set feels more like a finished article than a passing moment in time. The underground vibe is intact and fine-crafted beats still deliver rhythmic edge. But strings flesh out the multi-layered textures and a mellow mood hides the trickery of criss-cross beats and complex time signatures.
The album begins with applause, an Afro-centric pulse and the sampled voice of US singer Harry Belafonte discussing the construction of the C&O railway with broadcaster Studs Terkel. “I ain’t really opposed to the machine,” says Belafonte. “But I just feel the machine can’t take the place of the soul and sweat of the many men who died to help build this tunnel.”
Belafonte was channelling the African-American folk hero John Henry, who, according to legend, was killed in a contest with a steam-drill during the building of the Big Bend Tunnel. But here Belafonte’s words are repackaged as a statement of intent. Machines are used in the album, but the soul and history of the music remain.
The title track and opener peaks and fades, downbeat soulful strings combine with harp and Greg Ward delivers fire on bop-fuelled alto sax. “The Fours” comes next, with swirly textures and trumpet and flute riffing over a vamp of Junius Paul bass. “High Fives” is sparse and otherworldly, flute flutters on “Dream Another” and the spiritual ripples of “Lullaby” come from Brandee Younger’s harp.
Midway through this 11-track set, a burst of McCraven drums gains impetus from cross-beat strings. But for the most part, McCraven impresses from the producer’s chair by reshaping his collaborators’ music while letting their personalities shine. Younger returns movingly, as does flautist De’Sean Jones and “The Knew Untitled” has knockout Matt Gold guitar.
★★★★☆
‘In These Times’ is released by International Anthem/Nonesuch/XL
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Music News Click Here
