Christian McBride

Christian McBride is an eleven-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and cultural curator recognized for his significant contributions to contemporary jazz. A Philadelphia native, McBride began his professional career as a teenager, performing with jazz musicians such as Freddie Hubbard and Benny Golson. After attending Juilliard for one year, he chose to leave school to tour with trumpeter Roy Hargrove's band, prioritizing hands-on experience with a wide range of musicians.

McBride gained early recognition from Rolling Stone as "Hot Jazz Artist" and went on to join guitarist Pat Metheny's Special Quartet, performing alongside Billy Higgins and Joshua Redman. During this period, he developed a mentorship and collaborative relationship with bass legend Ray Brown, resulting in the project "Super Bass" with John Clayton.

As a sideman, McBride has appeared on more than 400 recordings, collaborating with jazz icons including Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, and Ray Brown. His versatility extends beyond jazz, having worked with The Roots, Sting, Bruce Hornsby, and James Brown. As a bandleader, McBride has released several albums, including "Gettin' to It" and "Number Two Express," which showcase his acoustic post-bop style. He leads the Christian McBride Big Band, whose Mack Avenue releases "The Good Feeling" and "Bringin' It" earned the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. Among his notable works is "The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons," honoring civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Muhammad Ali. His big band project "Without Further Ado, Vol. 1" features guest artists such as Sting, Samara Joy, and Andy Summers. McBride's collaborations have been recognized at the Grammy Awards, including Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for "Without Further Ado, Vol. 1" and Best Jazz Performance for "Windows (Live)" with Chick Corea and Brian Blade.

Throughout his career, McBride has established himself as a dynamic musician, prolific composer, arranger, producer, and educator. He serves as artistic director for the Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also involved in jazz education and youth advocacy, serving as artistic director for Jazz House KiDS and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. He hosts NPR's "Jazz Night in America" and "The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian" on SiriusXM. McBride continues to influence the jazz industry through his performances, recordings, and commitment to mentoring emerging musicians.