9-Time Grammy Winner Christian McBride’s New Album Sparks Surprise Sting Reunion
Christian McBride’s Upcoming Album Unites Jazz Greats and a Rare Sting Reunion
Nine-time Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian McBride is ready to wow music fans with his latest project, Without Further Ado, Volume One, which will be released on August 29. Known for his leadership in major jazz festivals like Montclair and Newport, as well as hosting NPR’s Jazz Night in America, McBride is now bringing together some of the biggest names in music for an album that blends rich jazz arrangements with powerhouse vocals.
The project began as a collection of special performances McBride arranged over the years for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s annual gala. After more than a decade of these one-time shows, he decided the music deserved a permanent home. With his 17-member Christian McBride Big Band, the arrangements have been reimagined and recorded, featuring an impressive list of guest artists.
Listeners can expect collaborations with Sting, José James, Samara Joy, Jeffrey Osborne, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves, and rising Philadelphia vocalist Antoinette Henry. One of the standout moments on the album is the track “Murder by Numbers,” which features both Sting and legendary guitarist Andy Summers—reuniting two-thirds of The Police in a way few saw coming.
Fans may want a live tour, but McBride said that getting all the artists together would be hard to do and cost a lot of money without a big sponsor. But in November, there will be a special live show at NJPAC that will let people feel the Big Band’s energy in person.
McBride also said that Volume Two of Without Further Ado is already finished and will have a different group of famous musicians, but she didn’t say more. In the meantime, he is also producing Ledisi’s upcoming Dinah Washington tribute album, set for release in October.
With over two years of coordination and recording behind it, Without Further Ado, Volume One is a true labor of love for McBride. His goal is simple: for listeners to connect with the music on an emotional level. “If a song makes someone feel something, that’s the win for me,” he said.
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