In this edition of From the Archives, bass master Christian McBride tells a hilarious story as he reminisces over photos from the SFJAZZ Historical Archive that captured his performance with legendary organist Jimmy Smith at the 11th Street Block Party in October of 1995.

As part of the 13th San Francisco Jazz Festival, the 11th Street Block Party was held between Folsom and Harrison Streets in the SoMa district, at the height of the city’s so-called “Acid Jazz” era. The lineup included the top names from the scene including the Charlie Hunter Trio, Mingus Amungus, the Broun Fellinis, and headliner Jimmy Smith, whose funky style influenced them all.
For this date, Smith was joined by McBride, guitarist Mark Whitfield, saxophonist Herman Riley, and drummer Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson. McBride and Whitfield recorded with Smith on his 1995 Verve album Damn!.