Continuing with virtuosic drummers, today we take a shallow dive into the aesthetic world of Makaya McCraven.  I say shallow because there are Carrollesque rabbit holes down which one can dive and become quite lost with Makaya and the musicians with whom he plays.

It is nearly September, 2020, and I will very soon be 46.  Nothing about existence has become easier and I expect a similar trajectory upcoming.  So I, and we, find ways to self-care as we do the work and fight the fights and try to make existence better for all.  And part of my self-care?  Is vibing with music.  So come vibe.

-G

Makaya McCraven is a drummer, composer, and producer whose innovative work draws a creative through-line between generations of seemingly disparate avant-garde movements. He tells Joe about: being raised by musician parents; why he initially resisted pursuing music as a profession; the difference between the "oral musical tradition" in which he was raised and the academic approach he was presented with in college; the decision to start creating work as a bandleader; parenting; and learning when to say yes to collaborative offers.

During the age of social distancing, we're recording remotely and releasing new episodes every day.

This week we check out Lil Uzi Vert's 'Eternal Atake,' delve into Makaya McCraven's reworking of Gil Scott-Heron's last album and decide if Porridge Radio's latest album 'Every Bad' is worthy of a proper poke or not.  

If you have any feedback, comments, anger or feelings of love that you'd like to share with us, then please don't hesitate to e-mail at: midnightwavespodcast@gmail.com

We're also on Twitter: @MidnightWavesCJ

and Instagram: midnightwavespod

Intro Staind: It's Been Awhile

Main reviews

14:18 - Lil Uzi Vert: Eternal Atake

33:26 - Gil Scott-Heron: We’re New Again - A Reimagining by Makaya McCraven

42:42 - Porridge Radio: Every Bad

Special Segment 

54:37 - 1980 Top 10 

Plugs - 2:19:50

Outro - 2:21:40 - Father John Misty: When You're Smiling and Astride Me

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney about his new documentary CITIZEN K. The film offers a glimpse of how power works in Russia. Later in the program, Gary catches up with one of Chicago’s most exciting musicians, drummer and producer Makaya McCraven. Also, music critic Dennis Polkow sits down with Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti for an interview about his future plans. The Maestro also discusses his upcoming concert performances of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana which will take place February 6-8. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a musical titled WHISPER HOUSE. And Gary has the weekly Arts Section calendar.

Damon gets to interview Makaya McCraven and talk about his adventures in life and touring as well as what a beat scientist is. They talk other concepts as well as filling in the gaps in their past. Marcos joins and there is an educational spotlight, gig alerts, an iconic recording, listener letters, a social soundbyte, music news and more!

Drummer, composer, producer, 'Beat Scientist'. Chicago's Makaya McCraven stopped by the Jazz Lounge at Love Supreme to have a chat with Tina Edwards.

https://www.instagram.com/_supstandards/
https://www.facebook.com/SupremeStandards/
https://twitter.com/_SupStandards

Look out for a new episode every two weeks

The Cornerstore spoke with Makaya McCraven about his musical upbringing that shaped him into the contemporary jazz drummer he is today, finding his community in Chicago and beyond, his latest project “Universal Beings” and more.

http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3612585/3612585_2019-03-26-121225.64kmono.mp3

Stay connected with The Cornerstore on Twitter, Instagram,and Soundcloud!