Sci-Fi
The whiz-kid acoustic and electric bassist Christian McBride  grew up in Philadelphia in the '70s and '80s, and in addition to  absorbing the mainstream jazz tradition, he also listened to fusion.  That's the music behind this pleasing CD, which is his most complete  recording sinceNumber  Two Express. With a youthful combo of like-minded compatriots,  including tenor and soprano saxophonist Ron Blake, McBride, who also  doubles on keyboards, dives into the now nostalgic sounds of the  jazz-rock era with power and precision. His take onSteely Dan's "Aja"  burns with Blake'sWayne Shorter-derived solo.Sting'sPoliceclassic,  "Walking on the Moon," is rendered as a moody ballad with bass  clarinetistJames  Carter's sepia tones.Jaco Pastorius'sWeather Reportanthem "Havona" retains its frenetic fury andStanley Clarke's  "Butterfly Dreams" features McBride's arco bass lead reprisingAndy Bey's original  vocals. McBride penned the ballad "Uhura's Moment Returned" in honor  of the blackStar Trekcharacter, while "Science Fiction"  recallsReturn to Forever.Herbie Hancock's powerful pianism  completes theMiles  Davis-imaged sound picture on the neo-bop burner "Xerxes," and "Via  Mwandishi," named after Hancock's seminal recording of the early '70s,  is the CD's best track, with McBride laying down grooving ostinatos and  Carter casting bone-deep bass clarinet tones.--Eugene  Holley Jr.