Christian McBride has deep JAS history. He is a member of our musical family going back nearly 20 years. He played many memorable shows and he was the Artistic Director of the JAS Academy Summer Sessions from 1999 – 2008.
One of his most memorable shows, highlighted in our new “25 Years of Jazz Aspen Snowmass” coffee table book was a concert at Harris Concert Hall of bass duos with the internationally acclaimed Edgar Meyer, a regular Aspen visitor with the Aspen Music Festival & School. JAS & AMFS collaborated in this once in a life-time meeting, their only public or private concert, ever. It was a first time musical encounter with just a short conversation and rehearsal prior … a true journey of discovery and daring that left both artist and audience breathless.
Christian did another unforgettable set of bass duo performances with the legendary Ray Brown in a short lived JAS summer series at the then new Schirmer Hall at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village. The summer it opened we did a series of shows there which included Ray Brown as well as the legendary vocalist Rosemary Clooney. Christian and Ray played a set of duets one night that literally elicited gasps of delight and wonder from the audience, especially the 25 students of the JAS Academy in residence that particular year.
Christian is back performing with his trio this Wed & Thu at the JAS Café at the Nell. The Trio includes the young pianist Christian Sands, who was a former student of McBride whom he met here in Aspen.
It’s just a great full circle moment to have Christian McBride back here performing, especially as our intimate jazz series celebrating the very music he embodies has quickly become so ingrained in the fabric of the local community. The JAS Café has style, personality and a real following. So does Christian. As of press time the night prior tickets are all but gone for the early shows at 7pm , but still available for the 9:15. It’s gonna be a hard swingin’, blues drenched trip with the very tight and rhythmic Christian McBride Trio. Hope to see you at the JAS Café July 15 or 16 Wed/Thu.