A Family Affair
On his third outing as a bandleader, Christian McBride exhibits the skills that make him one of finest young bassists in jazz. Produced by George Duke and accompanied by Tim Warfield on tenor saxophone, Charles Craig on keyboards, and Greg Hutchinson on drums, McBride indulges in a mixed bag of styles. Jumping from straight-ahead jazz to funk and '70s soul classics, McBride's imposing ability unifies his diverse musical repertoire. Playing both acoustic and electric bass with equal aplomb, he indulges in fusion instrumentals and sweet jazz ballads. Vocalists Will Downing and Vesta contribute soulful vocals and McBride interprets familiar songs by Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, and the Spinners. While occasionally venturing into the lite-jazz realm, there are plenty of vivid musical moments on this recording.--Mitch Myers