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Makaya McCraven: Universal Beings E&F Sides

By Chris May
July 28, 2020
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Makaya McCraven: Universal Beings E&F Sides

Universal Beings E&F Sides is an addendum to drummer and producer

Makaya McCraven

drums
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Makaya McCraven's paradigm-shifting underground hit Universal Beings (International Anthem, 2018). That album was a double (four sides: A, B, C and D). The new album is a single (two sides: E and F). Geddit?

Most, but not all, of the tracks on E&F Sides were recorded at the same sessions as the first album, in London, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Featured musicians include young London lions tenor saxophonists

Shabaka Hutchings

woodwinds

" data-original-title="" title="">Shabaka Hutchings and

Nubya Garcia

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Nubya Garcia, keyboard player

Kamaal Williams

" data-original-title="" title="">Kamaal Williams and bassist

Daniel Casimir

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Daniel Casimir, along with US fellow travellers including harpist

Brandee Younger

harp
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Brandee Younger, cellist

Tomeka Reid

cello

" data-original-title="" title="">Tomeka Reid, vibraphonist

Joel Ross

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Joel Ross and guitarist

Jeff Parker

guitar
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Parker. Two tracks feature saxophonist

Soweto Kinch

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Soweto Kinch, one of the pathfinders for the new London jazz scene and its engagement with issues of identity and cultural inclusiveness.

These musicians and their peers comprise an informal international alliance which is shaping a new jazz aesthetic, rooted in the tradition but reaching out beyond it. It is the sound of jazz renewing itself, staying relevant and avoiding becoming a repertoire-based museum piece. The grooves are deep and the improvisations fly high and the spirit of trailblazing labels such as Impulse! and Strata-East live on within it. It is not to be missed. Actually, it cannot be missed—it is coming down the road regardless. It is a total blast.

Universal Beings E&F Sides is being released digitally in July 2020 and on CD and LP in September. The album forms the soundtrack for Mark Pallman's documentary Universal Beings, which follows McCraven to London, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles while he was recording the project. Check the doc's "Strangers In The City" extracts in the YouTube trailer below.

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Track Listing

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.

Personnel

Makaya McCraven

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Collective Personnel: Shabaka Hutchings: tenor saxophone; Nubya Garcia: tenor saxophone; Soweto Kinch: saxophones; Josh Jonson: alto saxophone; Kamaal Williams: keyboards; Ashley Henry: Fender Rhodes; Brandee Younger: harp; Joel Ross: vibraphone; Joe Parker: guitar; Miguel Atwood-Ferguson: violin; Tomeka Reid: cello; Daniel Casimir: double bass; Dezron Douglass: double bass; Anna Butterss: double bass; Junius Paul: double bass, percussion; Carlos Nino: percussion.

Album information

Title: Universal Beings E&F Sides | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: International Anthem Recording Company

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