In the Moment

This innovative Chicago drummer latches onto a strong concept, compiling a year\'s worth of full-band improv sessions and editing them into lean, potent forms. Consequently, tracks tend to jump right into the groove and run short. Funk and hip-hop\'s rhythms abound, like the loose shuffle of \"The Drop,\" but so do soul-jazz textures and occasional hints of post-rock, when Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker guests (see “On the Spot\"). As a composer, McCraven has a way with the steady build: During “The Jaunt,” check out the momentum he builds with bass, vibes, guitar, and saxophone.

Nearly 48 hours of live improvised performance recorded at 1 venue over 12 months and 28 shows - culled, cut, rendered, and remixed into 19 potent pieces of organic beat music.