#junius paul

Makaya McCraven - KEXP Studio, Seattle, Washington, October 25, 2022

Like that Dezron Douglas LP, Makaya McCraven's In These Times came out this year on the International Anthem label — a label that has become a trademark of quality over the past few years. I've liked McCraven a lot in the past, but In These Times feels like a genuine masterpiece, weaving together elements of lush CTI-era jazz, beat scientist wizardry and heady post-rock and emerging with something extraordinary.

The Denver gig I saw a few months back (pictured above) was by necessity a more stripped down affair, but no less transfixing, thanks in no small part to McCraven's wildly talented band — D'Sean Jones on sax/flute/synth, Jeff Parker on guitar and Junius Paul on bass. That's the same band you'll see and hear on this great KEXP in-studio performance. Very cool to see the quartet putting all of the pieces together, and McCraven is a wonderful player; muscular and virtuosic without sacrificing sensitivity. If it were up to me, we'd be getting a live album from this group, sooner rather than later.

Makaya McCraven stopped by KEXP in Seattle to perform four songs from his new album, In These Times, with Jeff Parker on guitar, Junius Paul on bass, and De'Sean Jones on saxophone, flute, and EWI.

Last night in Brooklyn: Makaya McCraven at Public Records performing songs from his new album, In These Times, with Junius Paul, Brandee Younger, De’Sean Jones, and the string quartet from the album.

Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart of Ohmme; Photo by Ash Dye

BY JORDAN MAINZER

7/13: Junius Paul/Tomeka Reid Duo, MCA

Tuesdays on the Terrace, free jazz performances (as in it doesn’t cost any money, though there’s definitely sometimes free jazz) at the MCA, is often one of the summer’s brightest music series here in Chicago. Tonight offers bassist Junius Paul and cellist Tomeka Reid in an improvisational duo. The two have played together before both live and on records, Reid appearing on Paul’s excellent ISM, for instance. Advance reservations are “sold out,” but you can line up starting at 4:30 PM to ensure your spot for this can’t-miss performance.

7/14: OHMME & V.V. Lightbody, Rockwell on the River

New local distillery? Might as well celebrate with some local bands. Rockwell on the River, the grounds where you can rent kayaks and drink Metropolitan Brewing lagers, is welcoming some new American whiskey makers Judson & Moore with a show with art rock masters OHMME and folk pop singer-songwriter V.V. Lightbody aka Vivian McConnell. Since we last interviewed OHMME, they’ve released their sophomore record, the terrific Fantasize Your Ghost, and a few singles. Their original drummer, Matt Carroll, will be playing with them, so it happens in town from Europe coinciding with this show. (Maybe they’ll play something from Macie Stewart’s just announced solo album Mouth Full of Glass?) A $15 suggested donation supports the bands; other vendors include Black Dog Gelato, Metropolis Coffee Company, Soul & Smoke, and Sparkling Botanicals.