Christian McBride & Inside Straight Release “Live at the Village Vanguard”
Christian McBride has released a second live album from the legendary Village Vanguard, this time with his Inside Straight quintet. It’s a special moment for the group – which features drummer Carl Allen, saxophonist Steve Wilson, pianist Peter Martin, and vibraphonist Warren Wolf – as the band was originally formed for a residency at the venue.
“This band was born here in 2007, and we’ve played here every year since,” he tells the audience. “We don’t take that for granted, so thank you.”
It was recorded during a two-week period in December of 2014, with the album being taken from the final set of the run. It’s obvious the group is warmed up from the week. Starting with the opener “Sweet Bread,” McBride and company are firing on all cylinders for every song. Standout tracks include “Shade of the Cedar Tree,” which has turned into a signature song for the bassist, as well as the Afro-Cuban groove of “Gang Gang.”
The most jaw-dropping moments may be on the closing track “Stick & Move” as McBride and Allen trade blazing solos.
Live at the Village Vanguard is available now on CD, vinyl, and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
Live at the Village Vanguard Track List:
- Sweet Bread
- Fair Hope Theme
- Ms. Angelou
- Shade of the Cedar Tree
- Gang Gang
- Uncle James
- Stick & Move
