#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.

Bandcamp Friday

The Summer of Lou can wait! Bandcamp is waiving its fees today. So in the interest of showcasing some black voices, here are some recommended downloads. Just buy something! (And if you didn’t know, Bandcamp will be donating 100% of its share of sales on June 19th to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.) 

Angel Bat Dawid - Transition East

Just two tunes, but both very awesome. The first is a beguiling drum machine / clarinet duet, showcasing Angel Bat Dawid’s unique instrumental stylings. Sun Ra-ish? The second is a full band track, broodingly beautiful and filled with forward moving momentum. There’s a great interview with Dawid in the most recent Mississippi Records newsletter: “Right Now, I want to teach people how to pray. Not in the religious sense. No. I'm talking about prayer as a natural human technology that keeps us at peace and keeps us connected to each other.” You’re also going to want Angel’s The Oracle. 

Jace Clayton - The Julius Eastman Memory Depot

DJ/writer/artist Jace Clayton (AKA DJ / rupture) lovingly re-imagines and re-frames two Julius Eastman compositions, taking dual pianos (played by David Friend and Emily Manzo) and treating them electronically, taking the listener on an impressive, absorbing sonic journey.  

Anthony Braxton - Solo (Kent) 1979

The mighty Anthony Braxton turned 75 yesterday. He’s got a very deep catalogue on Bandcamp, which is very much worth dipping into. I am far from a Braxton expert, but I am loving this thorny and thought-provoking solo alto sax recital, taped at Kent University in Ohio — a name synonymous with civil unrest and government fuckups. Sound familiar? 

Junius Paul - Ism

Chicago bassist Junius Paul’s double LP Ism came out late last year, but I’m only now digging into its sprawl. Tons of eclectic and excellent work here, with Paul’s playing both wildly adventurous and deeply groovy. The near-20-minute “Spocky Chainsey Has Re-Emerged” is absolutely killer, featuring Paul, Vincent Davis, Justin Dillard and Corey Wilkes all in deep conversation. Definitely some early Electric Miles vibes, but it stretches beyond that influence rather than surrendering to it ... 

Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble - Stay Beautiful

I loved Damon Locks’ Where Future Unfolds last year, and this freshly released track doesn’t disappoint, with a dreamlike spoken word intro leading into a spiritual chant. Stay beautiful, please. 

Brother Theotis Taylor

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.