Makaya McCraven has, over the past few years, released some of the grooviest, rhythmic and drum-heavy jazz music I’ve listened to in recent years. 2018’s Where We Come from (a stunning mixtape featuring some of London’s finest jazz artists) and Universal Beings are standouts in his discography, incredible bodies of work that highlight not only his talents as a drummer, but also as a composer and visionary.

In These Times, his new album, is 7 years in the making and showcases his versatility as a producer and jazz composer. From the infectious guitar and percussion-led compositions of “Dream Another” and “Seventh String”, to the infectious, string and brass melodies of the opener “In These Times” and “The Calling”, the album is eclectic in its compositions, with a tone and energy that feels organic and incredibly soulful. The artistic relationships he’s had with Junius Paul (bassist) and Jeff Parker (guitarist) among the other incredible musicians involved with this project, shines through beautifully, on a broken-beat, dynamic body of work that is intricate in its composition, and showcases the talents of an artist really at the height of his creativity. There’s so much to admire about Makaya’s music, and he’s captured that perfectly on this 11-track album.

Listen to Makaya McCraven’s In These Times below via International Anthem and don’t forget to support!