Bassist
Christian McBride
was already turning heads as a teenaged sideman with
Benny Green
during the early '90s, showcasing formidable technique and imagination in his solos. Over the two decades since then,
McBride
has demonstrated his skills as a bandleader, composer, and arranger as well. After 15 years of studying big-band charts, experimenting, and writing,
developed sufficient material for a CD, recruiting some of New York's best and busiest players, including saxophonists
Steve Wilson
,
Ron Blake
, and
Loren Schoenberg
, trumpeters
Nicholas Payton
and
Frank Greene
, and trombonists
Steve Davis
Michael Dease
Douglas Purviance
, plus pianist
Xavier Davis
and drummer
Ulysses Owens
(among others). Six of the 11 pieces are originals, highlighted by the funky, playful "Bluesin' in Alphabet City," the ambitious, multifaceted "Science Fiction," and the upbeat, boisterous post-bop cooker "The Shade of the Cedar Tree." Vocalist
Melissa Walker
shines on several tracks, including a warm setting of "When I Fall in Love" that opens with the leader's arco solo and a pulsating rendition of
Bobby Scott
's "A Taste of Honey" that is scored with rich ensemble work behind the singer. The solos by
Blake
Wilson
Dease
especially stand out, though everyone who takes a turn delivers a top-drawer effort. With this fine effort, it's safe to say that
's talents as a writer have grown to match his considerable chops as a bassist. ~ Ken Dryden