Makaya McCraven @Enjoy Jazz in Mannheim

Makaya McCraven, the prolific drum meister from Chicago, just released four EPs last month: “PopUp Shop”, “Hidden Out!”, “The People’s Mixtape”, and “Techno Logic” are also available now on a double LP. Makaya is part of this year’s Enjoy Jazz Festival and performed at Alte Feuerwache in Mannheim last night. Together with Marquis Hill on trumpet, Matt Gold on guitar, and Junius Paul on bass, they played several songs off “Off The Record”, the name of the double album. It’s a pretty idiosyncratic sound which they brought to the stage, with strong emphasis on electric guitar and Makaya driving the beat forward in more ways than one. He also let each of his bandmates enough room to solo. His playing has heavy doses of funk and r&b in it. Added with patterns from breakbeat and hiphop ingredients, he was able to conjure up a very unique and special soundscape.

It was especially rewarding with pieces like “Away” and “Sweet Stuff”. Both tunes, and several more from his latest album, also show Makaya’s knack for writing intricate, yet at the same time easy on the ear, groove-laden compositions which turn out to be highly satisfying and enjoyable, not only on record, but more so in this live surrounding with very competent allies who share his improvisatory approach and vision. Check out Makaya McCraven and band on the remaining dates of their European tour:

11/07 Bremen – Kleines Haus
11/10 Utrecht – TivoliVredenburg
11/12 Lisboa – Misty Fest
11/15 ‘s-Hertogenbosch – Verkadefabriek
11/18 Paris – New Morning
11/19 London – KOKO Camden
11/20 Cenon – Le Rocher de Palmer
11/22 Athens – Gazarte
11/23 Oslo – Cosmopolite Scene