Christian McBride facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christian McBride
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McBride at the 2009 Detroit Jazz Festival
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 31, 1972 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Genres | Jazz, jazz fusion, big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Double bass, bass guitar |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Verve, Warner Bros., Ropeadope, Mack Avenue |
Christian McBride (born May 31, 1972) is an American jazz musician. He is famous for playing the double bass and bass guitar. Christian is also a composer, which means he writes music, and an arranger, who helps put music together. He has played on over 300 recordings with other musicians. He has also won eight Grammy Awards, which are big awards for music.
Christian has played with many famous jazz musicians like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Wynton Marsalis. He has also worked with pop and soul artists such as Sting, Paul McCartney, and Queen Latifah.
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Early Life
Christian McBride was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1972. He first started playing the bass guitar. Later, he switched to the double bass, which is a much larger string instrument. He went to the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. After high school, he studied music at the Juilliard School in New York City.
Christian's Amazing Career
Christian McBride was seen as a very talented young musician when he was only 17 years old. He joined a group called Horizon with saxophonist Bobby Watson. From ages 17 to 22, Christian played with many older, experienced musicians. He also played with musicians his own age, like Joshua Redman.
In 1996, another famous jazz bassist named Ray Brown started a group called SuperBass. Christian McBride and John Clayton were also in this group. They released two albums together.
Christian was also part of saxophonist Joshua Redman's Quartet in the early 1990s. He started leading his own music groups in 1995. His first album as a leader was called Gettin' to It.
From 2000 to 2008, Christian led his own band, the Christian McBride Band. They released two albums: Vertical Vision and Live at Tonic.
Christian mainly plays the double bass, but he is also very good at the bass guitar. He played both instruments on an album called The Philadelphia Experiment. He can also play his bass using a bow, like a cello or violin.
In 2006, Christian became the Creative Chair for Jazz with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This was a big role where he helped guide jazz music for the orchestra. He held this position for four years.
In 2008, Christian joined a jazz fusion supergroup called the Five Peace Band. This group included other famous musicians like John McLaughlin and Chick Corea. Their album, Five Peace Band Live, won a Grammy Award in 2010.
In 2011, Christian released his first big band album, The Good Feeling. A big band is a large group of jazz musicians. This album also won a Grammy Award.
Today, Christian leads several different music groups. One is called Inside Straight, and another is his 18-piece big band. He also has an experimental group called A Christian McBride Situation.
In 2016, Christian became the artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival. This is a very important role in the jazz world. He also hosts a radio show called Jazz Night In America on NPR.
Personal Life
Christian McBride is married to Melissa Walker, who is a jazz singer and educator. Melissa leads a jazz school for kids called Jazz House Kids in their hometown of Montclair, New Jersey. Christian also helps with the school. Every summer, they both perform at the Montclair Jazz Festival with their students and other professional musicians.
Christian has shared stories about his life and music on a radio show and podcast called The Moth Radio Hour.
James Moody Jazz Festival
Christian McBride helps organize and guide the yearly James Moody Jazz Festival.
Discography (Albums as a Leader)
Christian McBride has released many albums as the main artist. Some of his albums that have won Grammy Awards include:
- The Good Feeling (2011) - Won for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
- Live at the Village Vanguard (2015) - Won for Best Improvised Jazz Solo.
- Bringin' It (2017) - Won for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
- For Jimmy, Wes and Oliver (2020) - Won for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
Images for kids
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McBride at the 2009 Detroit Jazz Festival
See also
In Spanish: Christian McBride para niños
- List of jazz bassists
