Christian McBride Releases Volume 1 of “Without Further Ado”

ng 2020 release For Jimmy, Wes & Oliver, the forthcoming album highlights a dazzling array of talent, including Sting, Andy Summers, Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, José James, Cécille McLorin Salvant, Jeffrey Osborne, and Antoinette Henry. By bringing together this stellar lineup, McBride aims to bridge past, present, and future eras of jazz with sophistication and groove, showcasing his prowess as a jazz luminary.

Set to be unveiled on August 29 through Mack Avenue Records, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 is now available for pre-order. Offering a taste of what’s to come, McBride has released the track “Murder By Numbers,” reuniting Sting with Andy Summers for the first time since The Police’s reunion tour in 2007-2008. The Christian McBride Big Band infuses their signature flair into this iconic song, taking it to new heights of musical excellence.

Expressing his excitement about collaborating with musical legends Sting and Andy Summers, McBride praises their artistic evolution and enduring talent. He extends his gratitude to them and highlights the unique contribution of Pedrito Martinez, a highly acclaimed musician, in bringing a distinctive touch to the project. McBride’s illustrious career has seen him collaborate with a diverse range of artists, from Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis to Billie Eilish and Celine Dion. Through Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, McBride converges various artistic paths, resulting in a dynamic collection of reimagined classics and surprising twists.

McBride reveals that much of the inspiration and arrangements for the album stemmed from his role as the musical director for the annual NJPAC Gala, where the Big Band has been the house band since 2012. Over the years, McBride has written numerous big band charts for acclaimed singers, accumulating a treasure trove of music that had only been performed once. The upcoming album provides him with the perfect opportunity to finally record some of these arrangements and showcase them alongside some of his favorite vocalists.

Featuring a multi-generational lineup of vocalists, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 epitomizes a vocal jazz renaissance. From Samara Joy’s stunning rendition of the jazz standard “Old Folks” to Jeffrey Osborne’s reinterpretation of his band L.T.D’s hit “Back in Love Again,” the album serves as a vocal all-star extravaganza, heightened by the Christian McBride Big Band’s sophistication and passion.

In anticipation of the album’s release, the Christian McBride Big Band is scheduled to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival on August 3, where they will showcase new music from the upcoming album. Furthermore, in 2026, McBride will embark on the inaugural McBride’s World at Sea cruise, featuring performances with all his acclaimed bands and numerous special guests onboard.

With a carefully curated tracklist that includes collaborations with renowned artists such as Sting, Andy Summers, Dianne Reeves, and José James, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 promises to be a captivating musical journey that blurs the lines between tradition and innovation. Stay tuned for the release of this remarkable album by Christian McBride, a visionary force in the world of jazz.