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Bass genius Christian McBride honors his mentor and greatest inspiration, the legendary Ray Brown, with an all-star trio of Ray Brown Trio alumni — pianist Benny Green and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.

A major figure in the development of bebop and hard bop in the 40s and 50s, Brown was among the most prolific and versatile bassists in jazz history who gained fame through his notable associations with Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dizzy Gillespie.

He led a series of remarkable trios in the 1990s and 2000s featuring Green and Hutchinson, whose recordings for the Telarc label stand as benchmarks for the time-honored format.

In addition to his own lengthy histories with both Green and Hutchinson, McBride appeared on Brown's live 1997 bass summit release SuperBass and 2001 follow-up SuperBass 2 (along with fellow legend John Clayton). He pays tribute to the master with this special performance.

About Christian McBride

More than a bass superstar, Christian McBride has become a commanding force in American culture. His responsibilities are legion, from producer and radio host to his recent post as artistic director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival. And that’s to say nothing of his era-defining work as an eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning bandleader and recording artist who’s collaborated with everyone from McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Pat Metheny and Chick Corea to Sting, Paul McCartney, Kathleen Battle, The Roots and James Brown.