Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Christian McBride is regarded as the most influential and versatile bassist of his generation. The 54-year-old moves fluidly between big-band sound, free improvisation, classical quartet formations, R'n'B, funk, and pop - and has collaborated with nearly all the major figures in his field.

With Ursa Major - "The Great Bear" - he has assembled a band of rising stars: Ely Perlman (guitar), Nicole Glover (saxophone), Savannah Harris (drums), and Mike King (piano), all in their 20s and 30s. "I wanted an 'all-in' band," McBride says - one that masters different styles and operates at varying energy levels.

"Free, funky, swinging, flexible" - that's how he describes Savannah Harris's playing. It applies to the entire band.