The Third Story with Leo Sidran 286: Makaya McCraven
51 snips
Jan 24, 2025 
Makaya McCraven is a drummer, producer, and composer who masterfully blends improvisation with cultural synthesis. He discusses his journey from Northampton to the vibrant Chicago music scene, emphasizing the balance of tradition and innovation in jazz. Highlights include his daily creative habits like meditation, the rhythmic complexity influenced by his heritage, and how technology shapes contemporary music. McCraven also examines the power of intention and the importance of community in navigating the evolving musical landscape.
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Rhythm As Our Time Tool
- Humans process time through rhythm and systems like clocks and songs, Makaya McCraven argues.
- Use rhythm to navigate the passage of time and musical feel.
Systematic Networking Wins
- Makaya McCraven made lists, hit every session, and introduced himself to build work in Chicago.
- Be systematic and genre-open when moving to a new scene.
Chicago Let Me Be Myself
- Makaya McCraven says Chicago gave him space to be a working musician without industry glamour.
- That environment let him blend free, straight-ahead, and beat-based music.
