Makaya McCraven is a jazz drummer and beat scientist who is interested in the shadowy corners and warm pockets of jazz; though traditionally trained, he makes "socially challenging" work that digests the more avant-garde corners of the style for audiences who might be more hip to jazz and R&B. On the show today, Makaya sits down with Chairman Jeff Mao to discuss his unique process, his new _Universal Beings_ album and the wealth of collaborators that will join him on stage in Chicago and New York when he presents _Universal Beings_ live as part of the Red Bull Music Festival in Chicago (followed by New York City). Also on today's show: Vivian plays music from the Windy City hip-hop label Closed Sessions – home to Jamila Woods and Kweku Collins – and gets in-depth with today's music news.
