Makaya McCraven

Jazz percussionist Makaya McCraven “has quietly become one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality” (The New York Times) with his progressive sound and jazz-rooted 21st century folk music. Dubbed a “cultural synthesizer,” the drummer, composer and producer blends past, present and future through live improvisation and sampling. With four new EPs under his belt as of October 2025, Makaya graces our stage for two nights.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Makaya McCraven has been profiled in Vice, Rolling Stone, The Guardian and NPR, among other publications. Over the course of his prolific career, he’s played with and collaborated with the likes of Kamasi Washington, Willie Pickens, Marquis Hill, Jeff Parker, Brandee Younger and more. In DownBeat's 2020 Critics Poll, he was the winner in the "Rising Star" categories of best producer and best drummer of the year.

In October 2025, McCraven released four new EPs: Techno Logic, The People’s Mixtape, Hidden Out!, and PopUp Shop, all of which are compiled on the 2xLP and 2xCD physical release Off the Record. The source material from each EP was drawn from moments of pure improvisation, recorded live in performance, shaped as much by the room and audience as by the musicians themselves.

You may also like the following events from Judson’s Live:

• This Thursday, 29th January, 07:00 pm, Hamilton de Holanda in Orlando
• This Friday, 30th January, 07:00 pm, DJ BMF & The Phat-N-Jazzy All Stars in Orlando
• This Saturday, 31st January, 06:00 pm, Emmaline: LIVE in Orlando, FL "Be My Valentine" Tour in Orlando

Also check out other Music events in Orlando, Entertainment events in Orlando, Workshops in Orlando.