Legendary Bassist Christian McBride Pops Up On New Sharel Cassity Album

Written By Mike Greenblatt
Sharel Cassity

Sharel Cassity

Montclair Bassist-Composer-Educator Christian McBride has won eight Grammy Awards. His appearance in The Jersey Sound documentary cements his rep as a man for all seasons. Now he holds down the bottom for Chicago alto saxophonist Sharel Cassity on her brilliant new record for the Sunnyside label. And what a cast! Pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist McBride, drummer Lewis Nash, trombonist Michael Dease and trumpeter Terrell Stafford are an A-List of jazz royalty. No wonder she named her album Gratitude! (Dig that bass on standard “Smile.”)

As she says, “two essential cultural elements of jazz are community and mentorship, and I’m eternally grateful to have had both. The remarkable individuals I’ve had the privilege to learn from, collaborate with, and draw inspiration from…have shaped me into who I am today. As you listen, may you find your own reasons for gratitude…reflection and celebration.”

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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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