One of the most beautiful records I’ve ever heard. I was really excited to see this as a follow up Byways. The addition of Parker to the mix is otherworldly.
I’d buy everything Dave touches without hesitation. Both Ballads and Byways really transport you into a vibe that’s truly unique. bpmccann5
I was brought here after listening to a live performance of Makaya's on you tube. I instantly loved the song Holy Lands so much that I had to see if the album version was the same rendition as the live one. Then I listened to the whole album! Universal Beings is a just a groove... It's a mix of traditional and something new, very nice. pandr1900
Strong debut album as a leader/composer/saxophonist. Smith leads 21 musicians through jazz styles from edgy to calming. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 18, 2015
Organic yet glitched, folksy yet forward-looking, seamless yet utterly compartmentalized. Again, just like w/ his last album, "When the Roses..." jumps on my Best Music of 2023 list 1/2way thru my 1st listen/lesson. Already struggling to not overplay this on repeat. Otis Nugatory