Makaya McCraven: Where Stage and Audience Connect
When acclaimed jazz percussionist Makaya McCraven takes the stage at Judson’s Live, audiences will experience more than a concert. McCraven has taken it upon himself to personally invite them into a shared musical journey.
The drummer, producer and composer will perform at Judson’s Live on February 27 and 28 for the first time. He is eager to connect with the Orlando audience and give the crowd a sneak peek of his new album, Off the Record.
“It’s exciting to play for a community of art-driven, community-focused institutions and people!” McCraven says. “I’m really looking forward to playing my music at Judson’s!”
A Life Steeped in Music
Music has always been at the center of McCraven’s life. Raised in a musical household, his path felt inevitable. His father was a drummer and bandleader while his mother was a singer and musician from Hungary. He recalls that his home was filled with music and creativity, which fueled his desire to immerse himself in music from a young age.
What began as an early passion and shared family experience quickly became a calling.
“Once I started making a living doing it, that path became clear,” McCraven says. “At that point, there was no getting away from it.”
Playing in an Intimate Space and Creating Deep Connections
Judson’s Live is known for its cozy yet immersive atmosphere, where the distance between artist and audience nearly disappears, a quality McCraven finds especially exciting.
“I really enjoy performing in small, intimate spaces,” he explains.
He believes it creates a deeper connection with the audience. Being up close in a space allows people to truly feel the music and makes for a special experience.
That closeness allows McCraven and his band to respond in real time, shaping each performance based on the energy in the room. He plans to take advantage of the space and use the audience as inspiration for his improvisational approach.
Performing in a venue like Judson’s Live creates an almost collaborative atmosphere where the musician draws energy from the audience, and the audience responds to and shapes the performance in real time. The result is an evening where music and emotion feed both artist and audience.
Bringing Makaya McCraven’s New Album (and New Sounds) to Life
As he prepares for the upcoming show, McCraven is focused on translating material from his latest album, Off the Record, into something uniquely live and spontaneous.
“I like to bring an open, improvisatory spirit to my repertoire,” he says. “We’ll be working on bringing versions of the latest record to the stage in a way that feels fresh and in the moment.”
Audiences can also expect glimpses of where McCraven’s music is headed next. His current work includes experimenting with electronics, synths and expanded sonic textures layered alongside acoustic improvisation.
“We’re exploring new sonic possibilities and expanding on the music from Off the Record in a live context,” he says.
He hopes audiences attend the show with an open mind and a willingness to go on a musical journey with him and the band. He believes one of the strongest invocations of music is creating a shared experience and seeing where it leads.