This innovative Chicago drummer latches onto a strong concept, compiling a years 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-hops 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.