Name: On the Record with Bob Hazelwood: A Conversation with Christian McBride
Uploaded: 2026-03-20 18:44:47
Duration: 16 min 57 s

Question 1

Who is Christian McBride and what is this interview about?

Accepted Answer

Christian McBride is a bassist, arranger, composer, and bandleader—and an 11-time GRAMMY® Award winner. In this conversation at Scullers Jazz Club, I asked him about composition, improvisation, and how he thinks about listening at home. We also talked about his new band, Ursa Major, and why vinyl playback still matters to him.

Question 2

What is Ursa Major and who are the musicians in the group?

Accepted Answer

Ursa Major is Christian’s new group, and he described the band as four leading young voices in improvisational music. The lineup he shared with me was Nicole Glover on tenor saxophone, Eli Perlman on guitar, Mike King on piano/keys, and Savannah Harris on drums. His goal as a bandleader is to make sure they get heard.

Question 3

Does Christian McBride prefer writing for big band or small groups?

Accepted Answer

Christian told me he actually finds it easier to write for big band than for a smaller group, which he knows sounds ironic. When he sees four trumpets, four trombones, and five saxophones, he said he immediately has ideas. For him, the bigger palette makes the writing come faster.

Question 4

What was the first record Christian McBride bought?

Accepted Answer

He grew up surrounded by records through his family and even visits to a Philadelphia radio station, but the first record he personally picked was Wayne Shorter’s “Ju-Ju.” He chose it during a mid-80s Blue Note reissue era after his mother took him on a “record spree” for good grades. He recognized names like McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, and Elvin Jones, brought it home, and fell in love with it.

Question 5

Why does Christian McBride listen to vinyl instead of streaming?

Accepted Answer

Christian told me his casual listening is always vinyl, even through the CD-heavy 90s. He loves the sound of a well-cared-for record on a well-cared-for system, and he values the ritual of sitting down and actually paying attention. For him, it’s not just sound—it’s a whole experience.

Question 6

What does Christian McBride mean by the 'true bass effect' on vinyl?

Accepted Answer

He explained that vinyl can deliver bass as a physical feel—electricity through the needle and the system into the speakers—so you experience the real weight of the instrument. Streaming and CDs can sound good, but he feels they don’t reproduce that same effect in the room. And he was clear: earbuds, no matter how good, can’t do it.

Question 7

Did Christian McBride like the Andover-One record player?

Accepted Answer

Yes—he posted about the Andover-One and said, “this thing is mean,” and in our conversation he made it clear he meant that in the best way. He told me the sound is incredible: clear, powerful, and it fills his living room. He also said it brings back memories of growing up with records playing at home and that it creates a serenity that’s good for the soul.

On the Record with Bob Hazelwood: A Conversation with Christian McBride

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