Deciphering the Message＜限定盤/Clear Vinyl＞

Since the 1990s, Blue Note Records has periodically invited artists to remix tracks from its hallowed catalog for its jazzhop compilations. Several -- Us3, Guru, and Madlib -- were invited to dig in and remix wholesale, resulting in historic solo projects. Makaya McCraven joins the group with Deciphering the Message. On acclaimed releases such as 2015s In the Moment (2015) and 2018s Universal Beings (2018), McCraven forged his own beat science path, sampling his bands live playing, then revamping the audio to satisfy an inner muse. In 2020, he remixed Gil Scott-Herons Im New Here, transforming it into We’re New Again. Deciphering the Message is a bridge between jazzs past and the rhythm-centric creativity of the present. McCraven cherrypicked 13 catalog items. He remixed and reassembled them as contemporary works with the assistance of trumpeter Marquis Hill, guitarists Matt Gold and Jeff Parker, vibraphonist Joel Ross, saxophonists/flutists DeSean Jones and Greg Ward, and bassist Junius Paul. To properly differentiate the two versions, he slightly altered titles in small letters signified by aka in the track credits. Hank Mobleys A Slice of the Top (aka Sliced Off the Top) is introduced by the voice of Pee Wee Marquette, Birdlands emcee during its golden age. McCraven is the only additional instrumentalist, adding layers of drums, percussion, and an additional bassline to Bob Crenshaws. The producer reveals the timelessness of Mobleys jam by expanding its bluesy rhythm across post-bop, hip-hop, cumbia, and Afrobeat. The effect is more dramatic when the band enters on Kenny Dorhams Sunset (aka Son Set). Kenny Drews slippery piano vamp is traced by Parkers guitar as Ross underscores the melody. Its slower, but the new groove is exponentially more meaty, pronounced, and swinging. Bobby Hutchersons Tranquility (aka Corner of the World) is also introduced by Marquettes disembodied voice. McCraven adds subtly synthed reverb to the vibes, then triple times his kit atop Joe Chambers as saxes, flute, guitar, and Hills trumpet all append Freddie Hubbards. Jack Wilsons version of Frank Stroziers Franks Tune (aka DeJeffs Tune) offers a fingerpopping hip-hop shuffle, gently layered keyboards, and breezy solos from Parker and Jones. Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Wayne Shorter-penned Mr. Jin (aka Mr. Gin) adds an additional rhythm section to the original with Paul on electric bass. The hard bop groove remains thanks to Shorter, Curtis Fuller, Lee Morgan, and Cedar Waltons piano vamp. It opens a gateway for canny interplay between Blakeys and McCravens kits. The set closer is a revelatory read of Eddie Gales Black Rhythm Happening (no aka). Only McCraven and Jones graft themselves onto an already large band and chanting chorus. Their bumping, wildly funky, breaking-snare-and-bassline-driven update retains Gales vision as an anthem of celebration and creative multiplicity. McCraven was egoless and reverential in remixing these tunes. His own hope for Deciphering the Message is to point new listeners toward the originals. As wonderful as that intention is, this album is a phenomenal listening experience in its own right. ~ Thom Jurek