Christian McBride and his band Inside Straight are appearing tonight at the Village Vanguard. The concert will be shown live online, (Wednesday) at 9pm ET. I recommend it to all my readers. Hopefully, the recording will be available for download later.
McBride didn't just learn to play the bass, he inherited it. His father and great uncle were both accomplished thumpers. He began playing bass at age 9 and fell into the orbit of Wynton Marsalis when he was a ripe 14. This guy is worth a listen.
McBride and Inside Straight have one recording, so far as I know. I have it, and it is delicious, sparkling jazz. Don't listen to it if you want to remain in a funk. Here is a brief description from LD:
Muscular playing from the saxophonist Steve Wilson and vibraphonist Warren Wolf Jr. dominate the disc, providing little sense that the leader is in the rhythm section putting the music into overdrive with drummer Carl Allen. (McBride does take a few flavorful and melodic solos). Pianist Eric Scott Reed provides the lightness needed to cut through the density of the music.
That sounds right to me. It is hard to be bass. Even when you are leader you seem to be invisible. But you can hear McBride's virtuosity on several cuts. Here is a sample:
Christian McBride/Brother Mister/Kind of Brown
Get the album, and if you read this in time, watch the concert. Or go to the Village Vanguard. Jazz is alive.
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