Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Christian McBride is the most influential and versatile bassist of his generation. He commands everything: big-band sounds, furious improvisations in intimate settings, classic quartet formats, R&B, straight-up funk, and forays into pop. He has worked with every major name in the business. What sets him apart further: he actively seeks out musicians who are just getting started.

With Ursa Major - the "Great Bear" - he has assembled a band of rising stars. Ely Perlman (guitar), Nicole Glover (sax), Savannah Harris (drums), and Mike King (piano) are in their 20s and 30s. They come from different musical backgrounds, yet manage to turn those differences into something genuinely exciting.

"I wanted an all-in band," McBride has said - one that masters different styles and operates at different energy levels. "Free, funky, swinging, flexible" is how he describes Savannah Harris's playing. It applies to the whole band.