Christian McBride’s Latest Project is With Fusion Guitarist Mike Stern

Written By Mike Greenblatt
Mike Stern

The late New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint once wrote “everything I do gon’ be funky from now on.” The same could be said for one of the world’s greatest living bassists, Christian McBride of Montclair. Fresh off performing in The Jersey Sound documentary currently free-streaming on Tubi, the bassist-composer-arranger-educator has shown up on the new album by jazz-rock fusion legend Mike Stern (most known for adding so much to the latter-day bands of Miles Davis). Echoes And Other Songs (Mack Avenue Music Group/Artistry Music) won’t be out until September 13 but we have an advance listen of one track, “Stuff Happens,” below.

Stern, 71, started out as a member of Blood Sweat & Tears. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Washington DC, he studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Future E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren produced his short-lived glam-rock band, The Dubonettes, in 1976. After playing in Billy Cobham’s band, he joined Miles, and also played with bassist Jaco Pastorius and trumpeter Randy Brecker. His string of solo albums are a testament to his vitality and forward-thinking progressivism. It’s safe to say amongst serious music devotees, that his new one is highly anticipated.

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Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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