Jazz Break at Noon - May 2026

May 4 - 8 

Walking in Rhythm: A Retrospective Survey of Bassist Christian McBride
April may have passed, but our commitment to documenting the masters continues. This week on the Jazz Break at Noon, we celebrate bassist, composer, bandleader, and multi-Grammy-winning artist Christian McBride. A multifaceted musician (and DJ) whose expansive career has placed him at the top of his field and instrument, McBride stands as one of the living giants among us. Hailing from Philadelphia, he represents the roots of jazz as well as its evolving present and future sound. Born May 31, 1972, McBride began his burgeoning professional career while still in his teens, playing with notable heavyweights including Bobby Watson, Freddie Hubbard, and Benny Golson in the early 1990s.

Citing "Philly Soul" as a foundational piece of his musical pedigree, McBride has led several varied ensembles over a nearly four-decade career. His groups are distinctive extensions of a tremendous threshold of creative inspiration, spanning and synthesizing straight-ahead, experimental, free-leaning jazz, funk, soul, Latin, and rhythm and blues. From the hard-swinging sounds of Inside Straight and The Christian McBride Trio to the expansive canvas of his award-winning Big Band and the experimental textures of A Christian McBride Situation and New Jawn, he remains a singular force on the bandstand.

This week, we explore McBride’s expansive recording history as both a leader and a premier supporting sideman and celebrate one of the most prolific living legends of our time, bassist Christian McBride. Join us. Hosted by JJ Lopez.