Bass virtuoso and four-time Grammy winner Christian McBride is one of the most important figures in jazz, having been associated with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, and many others, in addition to his own projects. His love of jazz is matched to his love of Soul Brother #1, James Brown. This Saturday night, May 2, he'll be a special co-host on Soul Sister's "Soul Power" show from 8-10pm, playing and talking about some of his favorite JB recordings, direct from his collection, on a special James Brown Birthday Show. (James Brown's actual birthday is May 3.) In addition to being a fan and collector of James Brown's music, he worked with Brown, leading an 18-piece band that recreated the 1970 album Soul on Top, live with Brown in his final Hollywood Bowl concert in 2006; presenting Get On Up: A James Brown Celebration, a concert which featured him along with a 13-piece James Brown Alumni Band at the Hollywood Bowl in 2014; and serving as a commentator in HBO's recent JB documentary, Mr. Dynamite.
Tune in this Saturday and celebrate the Godfather of Soul's birthday on the good foot with McBride and Soul Sister!
Then, on Sunday, don't miss Christian McBride at Jazz Fest. He'll be interviewed by Soul Sister on the Music Heritage Stage, inside the Grandstand, from 3:15-4:00. At 5:35, his Big Band will close out the Zatarain's/WWOZ Jazz Tent, also featuring a special guest M.C. - the legendary Danny Ray, James Brown's announcer and famed "cape man" for over 30 years.