Makaya McCraven is an influential composer, producer and jazz drummer who calls Chicago home. For his most recent album Deciphering The Message, he was granted access to the Blue Note archives and, utilizing their library, created a record that combines classic jazz samples with fresh recordings produced by his band. Features co-director Mick R caught up with this local luminary to talk about the story behind the record and what he hopes the listener takes away from their experience of it. 

Deciphering The Message is available through Blue Note. 

Makaya McCraven will be performing for two nights at Lincoln Hall in Chicago on May 27 & 28, 2022. 

 "All of the work that I do as a musician, as much as it is my professional output, I try to maintain a student of music and look at every opportunity as a chance to grow and learn something as an artist." - Makaya McCraven

Produced by Mick R. 

Image Credit: Nolis Anderson