Makaya McCraven

Experience Makaya McCraven live at Cosmopolite on November 23rd!

After celebrating the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking album In the Moment, McCraven continues to push the boundaries of what we call jazz – inviting you on a journey through time, space, and culture. With his latest album, In These Times – the result of over seven years of relentless work – he presents a fusion of improvisation, innovative rhythms, and deep cultural references. An album that has been evolving since he first started making music, it marks a pinnacle in his already extensive and critically acclaimed discography.

Often described as a “cultural synthesizer,” McCraven believes that the term “jazz” is simply not enough to capture the musical phenomenon he creates. He seamlessly unites traditional African-American rhythms, Eastern European folk melodies, and ’90s sample-based hip-hop into richly layered arrangements that meld the past, present, and future. As The New York Times has noted, “McCraven has quietly become one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality.”

Raised in a multicultural environment – born in Paris and brought up in Northampton, Massachusetts – he was profoundly influenced early on by his father, a jazz drummer who played with legends such as Marion Brown and Archie Shepp, and by his mother, who infused Eastern European folk traditions into his world. This diverse heritage forms the foundation of his belief that music is a collective experience, a part of who we are and how communities are built. He teaches music by ear, ensuring that even the most intricate rhythms become an accessible, shared experience.

Drawing on recordings and live sessions from cities like Chicago, New York, London, and Los Angeles, In These Times reflects both personal stories and universal themes. It’s an album that embraces tradition and innovation alike – a reflection of a world without borders.

Get ready for an evening of genuine, limitless music. This isn’t just a concert – it’s a live, immersive experience with one of the most innovative musicians of our time.