What They Say
In a new era of genre-bending music, MAKAYA MCCRAVEN pushes the boundaries of sound and rhythm to create categories of his own. Called “a sound visionary” (jazzinchicago.org) who is “not your everyday jazz drummer” (thewordisbond.com), MCCRAVEN is a beat scientist. Whether behind the drums or in the lab, mixmaster MAKAYA MCCRAVEN moves between genres at lightning speed. “You are listening to one incredible musician. His style and sound is unique, a heady, skillful, sophisticated and boldly uncompromising mix of jazz and hiphop” (UKVibe). MAKAYA's breakthrough debut 2XLP, In the Moment (International Anthem, 2015) has garnered international attention, earning critical acclaim fromThe New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, BBC (Gilles Peterson’s “Album of the Week”), and NPR. In the Moment is one of DownBeat and Pop Matters’ Top Jazz Albums of 2015. UK’s The Wire writes, “While Teo Macero’s work with Miles [Davis] might seem the obvious reference point, ‘In The Moment’ is closer in spirit to Madlib and J Dilla.” Jazz Times calls “In The Moment” “mesmerizing” and “an important document.” LA native ANTHONY VALADEZ became a music fan the minute he heard the opening notes of “Theme from Mahogany” by Diana Ross on the radio in the family car. In 2011, Valadez was the official DJ for the Alma Awards, which celebrate the excellence and contributions of Latinos in the Entertainment Industry and is a segment host on NUVOtv’s The Collective powered by VEVO. The show is executive produced by Jennifer Lopez. Lopez and her company, Nuyorican Productions, were so impressed with his DJ skills, they brought him out to open for her homecoming show at Orchard Park, Bronx NY in front of 16,000 attendees in May 2014. Opening the show this evening is melodist, beat maker, and artist, MEGIAPA, who is sharing her handmade music that’s sewn together in the corner of a bedroom.
