The American bassist Christian McBride has been a much sought-after, virtuoso and diverse bass player since the nineties. He can be heard on albums by jazz veterans such as trumpet player Freddie Hubbard and saxophonist Joe Henderson, but he also accompanied the voices of Diana Krall and Sting. Since 1995, many albums have also been released under his own name, full of diverse styles such as fusion,
… big band and neo-bop. Out There is the first album of his piano trio. With the still young talent Christian Sands behind the keys, it sounds more traditional than ever, especially because Sands with his bluesy and robust playing goes back to bebo heroes like Oscar Peterson and Bud Powell. In addition, this trio (with Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums) sometimes drive each other so high that in Hallelujah Time, for example, even in the living room feels the need to encourage them with 'yeahs' and applause after every breakneck solo. But the group can also play in a calm and atmospheric way, as in the abstract My Favorite Things. Out There is thus a beautifully arranged jazz record on which three musical personalities meet. (MR)more