Bassist Christian McBride is one of the jazz giants always on the lookout for new talent. He uses his trio format to develop aspiring artists, bring them up to his satisfied level, and then, like Art Blakey, send them on their merry way. This latest incarnation of his has Christian Sands/p and Ulysses Owens Jr caught in exciting form at the famed Vanguard. McBride sets the tone, the pace the attitude and the mix of gospel, soul and funk into the jazz trio mix makes for a delicious blue plate stew.
The band snaps on Wes Montgomery’s high-driving “Fried Pies” and snaps like snow peas on JJ Johnson’s “Interlude.” Owen’s brushes skate along with Sands’ piano on the sideman’s “Sand Dune” while a fascinatingly flexible “Cherokee” shows McBride’s dexterity as he swerves around Owen. The team delivers a dramatic and engrossing “Good Morning Heartache” and then gets the band to church and back on a modal rad of “Down By The Riverside” that mixes Owens’ Baptist beat with Sands’ McCoy Tyner-inspired chords. The set ends with a fun and funky big Afro’d read of “Car Wash” that reminds everyone that jazz is supposed to be enjoyed and danced to. One of the best trio outings of the year.
Mack Avenue Jazz