Today, International Anthem releases the IA11 Edition of Makaya McCraven's Universal Beings on all digital music platforms (ahead of the album's vinyl LP release date on December 5). The digital reissue includes the addition of a digital-only bonus track — "CoPro 9.2.17 Part 03" — an unedited excerpt of the September 2017 performance at Co-Prosperity in Chicago (featuring McCraven with bassist Junius Paul, cellist Tomeka Reid, and saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings), which formed the basis of source material for the Chicago Side of Universal Beings.
Makaya McCraven's Universal Beings is the eleventh and final reissue in the IA11 Editions series.
The original 2018 release of Universal Beings, in many ways, feels like the moment that the gates swung open for both Makaya and International Anthem. On one hand, it's a four-sided communal showcase of the inter-city exchange that had started to develop in the “new jazz” hubs, collecting group improvisations from New York, London, Chicago, and Los Angeles. On the other, it is an editing and post-production masterclass — the MVP of McCraven’s “organic beat music” concept — and a landmark moment where his cut-splice-reassembly chops shine as brightly as the players themselves.
The musicians on the album were a combined who’s-who and who’s-gonna-be-who of their respective scenes: Brandee Younger (harp), Joel Ross (vibraphone), Tomeka Reid (cello), Dezron Douglas (double bass), Shabaka Hutchings (tenor saxophone), Junius Paul (double bass), Nubya Garcia (tenor saxophone), Ashley Henry (Rhodes piano), Daniel Casimir (double bass), Josh Johnson (alto saxophone), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (violin), Jeff Parker (guitar), Anna Butterss (double bass), and Carlos Niño (percussion). In the original press release, it was called “an inspiring display of the organic global inter-connectedness of the Black American music tradition in 2018.” In off-the-record conversations at the time, the label said “it’s like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, but for jazz."
Universal Beings earned rave reviews across the board. It was a consensus year-end favorite (as seen in NPR Music, WIRE Magazine, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Rolling Stone, Vice, Stereogum, and more) that cemented McCraven as a must-buy album producer and a must-see live performer, and brought enough energy to the “plucky Chicago indie label” that International Anthem was able to move out of a closet and into an actual office. Preorder Universal Beings (IA11 Edition) here.
The IA11 Edition of Universal Beings comes on classic black 140-gram vinyl 2xLP (pressed by Pallas in Germany, with lacquers cut by Daniel K at SST) inside a heavyweight reverse-board jacket with IARC 2025 obi strip and printed poly-lined printed inner-sleeve.
It also comes with a 16-page 11"x11" insert booklet featuring unpublished photos and transcripts from four conversations between IARC co-founder Scott McNiece and musicians Joel Ross, Junius Paul, Nubya Garcia, and Anna Butterss.
Makaya McCraven’s Four New EPs
OUT NOW
 
 
Techno Logic features Ben LaMar Gay and Theon Cross, and draws from performances in London (2017), Berlin (2024), and New York (2025), showcasing nearly eight years of developing rapport between the three musicians.
The People’s Mixtape has its foundation in a live recording from Brooklyn’s Public Records in January of 2025, where McCraven celebrated the ten-year anniversary of In The Moment with an intentional return to the improvisational language he developed during that album’s sessions. For the occasion, McCraven played with bassist Junius Paul and trumpeter Marquis Hill, both of whom are heavily featured on In The Moment; as well as vibraphonist Joel Ross, a regular collaborator of McCraven’s since the 2017 sessions for Universal Beings; and synthesist Jeremiah Chiu, the SML co-leader and International Anthem labelmate, who was playing with McCraven for the first time.
Hidden Out! is built off recordings from McCraven’s June 2017 residency at The Hideout in Chicago, where he improvised weekly with a revolving cast including bassist Junius Paul; Tortoise member, International Anthem labelmate, composer, and guitarist Jeff Parker; and SML co-leader, GRAMMY-award winning producer, and alto saxophonist Josh Johnson.
PopUp Shop was created from recordings of McCraven’s Los Angeles debut at Del Monte Speakeasy in 2015, where he took part in the King Hippo and Grown Kids Radio produced event RAWS:LA, and improvised with guitarist Jeff Parker, vibraphonist Justefan, and bassist Benjamin J. Shepherd.
Makaya McCraven's Off the Record vinyl 2LP and 2CD compilation is not just a collection of the four new EPs, but a tactile document celebrating creative, communal, IRL moments of musical gathering. Purchase Off The Record here.
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