FIJM 2025 | King Makaya triumphs again

A total, irrepressible intensity, a strength of character that imposes its vision, leaving the acolytes to support (brilliantly, of course), never to deflect, the king in his musical velléités. This is a concert by drummer Makaya McCraven, a modern icon of jazz drumming. The propulsive power of this American is quite simply remarkable, and his genius for form, rhythmic metamorphosis and overall discourse is awe-inspiring. But that’s nothing new. Our colleague Alain Brunet, who was also present at the event, remarked that it resembled last year’s show. It’s been three years since McCraven released an album. To quote Alain: “Makaya, it’s really great, but we’re due for a new album.” Which will apparently be the case in September. By the way, in the last ten minutes or so, wasn’t that new material we were hearing? Anyway, it doesn’t matter, because I’d missed last year’s perfomance, which kept my listening a little “fresher.” And anyway, such an expressive personality can sustain repetition, so visceral and superior is it.

A rhythmic sax, sometimes atmospheric, never lyrical, a colorful vibraphone, a voluble but respectful bass. It’s what surrounds the master without taking up space. That’s the way it is, and we like it.

The opening act, Theon Cross (Sons of Kemet), brought the Club Soda to its feet with a plump, remarkably swift tuba groove. This guy is an amazing virtuoso. The depth of sound of this instrument doesn’t usually make it easy to understand what’s going on, but Cross apparently achieves the impossible, and does so by twirling more notes than would be humanly possible. A new album is due in July, very soon indeed. You won’t want to miss it.