Country

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United States of America

Birth

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May 31, 1972 in Philadelphia, PA

 

Christian McBride is a renowned American jazz bassist, composer, and arranger. He was born on May 31, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents who were both musicians. His father, Lee Smith, was a bassist, and his mother, Renee McBride, was a singer. Christian grew up in a musical household and started playing the bass at the age of nine. Christian attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia, where he studied with jazz bassist Jymie Merritt. He then went on to attend the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with bassist Homer Mensch. While at Juilliard, Christian played with the likes of Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard, and Roy Haynes. In 1990, Christian joined saxophonist Bobby Watson's group Horizon and recorded his first album as a sideman, "No Question About It." He then went on to play with jazz legends such as McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea. In 1994, he joined saxophonist Joshua Redman's quartet and recorded several albums with the group. In addition to his work as a sideman, Christian has also released numerous albums as a bandleader. His debut album, "Gettin' to It," was released in 1994 and featured jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, and Milt Jackson. He has since released over 20 albums as a bandleader, including "Number Two Express," "Sci-Fi," and "Live at Tonic." Christian has also been recognized for his work as a composer and arranger. He has written music for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2006, he won a Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for his work as a composer and arranger on the album "The Good Feeling." In addition to his work as a musician, Christian is also a radio host. He hosts "The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian" on SiriusXM, where he interviews fellow musicians and discusses various topics related to jazz music. Christian has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2000, he was named the Jazz Bassist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. He has also won several Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album for "Conversations with Christian" in 2012 and Best Improvised Jazz Solo for "Cherokee" in 2017. Christian continues to be a prominent figure in the jazz world and is known for his virtuosic bass playing and innovative compositions. He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and continues to push the boundaries of jazz music.

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