Christian McBride has released his first big band album, Christian McBride Big Band – The Good Feeling. Christian, a true master of musical diversification, brings together a stellar line-up with his big band and matches that line-up with some top-notch composing covering some great arrangements of standards as well as Christian’s own compositions.

This is Christian’s first effort arranging and conducting this type of project, and as expected, it is a force to be reckoned with. Some of the featured artists are his own bandmate Steve Wilson, multi-reedman Ron Blake, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, and vocalist Melisa Walker.

Great solo performances are lavished on every tune behind a very hip and tight ensemble. Christian himself sounds better than ever, both in section mode, and offering up some very moving bass solos, again, everything we would expect from this very accomplished musician.

Whether you’re a big band lover or not, I’d highly recommend checking out this extremely original and musical CD. You’re in for a treat.

Visit online at christianmcbride.com