Interview: Christian McBride on Corea + McBride + Blade

Christian McBride spoke with KUSF on Oct. 12, 2010, in advance of the Corea + McBride + Blade trio’s four-night run at Yoshi’s Oakland. These are the last dates on the trio’s American tour—they’ll be in Japan this December. See the full tour schedule for details.

In Rehearsal: Corea + McBride + Blade

Here are the first photos of the Corea + McBride + Blade trio, taken at rehearsal on Sept. 23, before their first show in Chapel Hill, NC. See the trio’s full tour schedule here.

Interview: Chick’s Early Gigs Opposite Thelonious Monk

Chick talks backstage at the Umbria Jazz Festival about his early days in New York, where he played gigs opposite Thelonious Monk’s legendary groups. Just two more US Freedom Band dates left—if you’re in the area, don’t let these shows pass you by. Portland, OR: September 17 Monterey Jazz Festival: September 18

Video: Corea + McBride + Blade Live

This trio first came together on the Five Peace Band tour in 2009, when Brian Blade took over the drum chair from Vinnie Colaiuta. On that tour, there were moments when John McLaughlin and Kenny Garrett laid out, and a powerful, deeply improvisational trio sound was born. See the full live concert schedule for Corea + McBride + Blade’s tour …

Video: the Freedom Band in Rehearsal

This was shot in rehearsal, just before the Freedom Band set at the Istanbul Jazz Festival—you can tell right away why Chick calls this band “a group of friends.” Just two US dates for the Freedom Band left: Portland, OR: September 17 Monterey Jazz Festival: September 18

At the Veszprem Fest

[Chick writes from Veszprem, Hungary, where he and Kenny Garrett went to see the students of Dohna’nyi at the Conservatory of Music.] What a pleasant day at the music conservatory in Veszprem. The young musicians that performed for Kenny and myself were all very accomplished. And the folklore music that they played – some by Bartok – was amazing and …

From Marseille to Nice

South of France Hot sun during the day Nice and cool at night Swimming in the Mediterranean was a blast And the bus is not so bad – –

For Painting

I took these shots so I could have some nice landscapes to practice making watercolors. This was our drive from Munich airport to Unterach, Austria. These are all taken with the iPhone. The filtered ones are done with the Toy Camera app.

The Piano Player’s Wanderings in Nimes

This is the Coliseum that I played with Roy Haynes, Gary Peacock and Joe Henderson in the early ’80s – – it’s the most intact Roman Coliseum of all of them. Rome was quite an empire – – they developed so much technology.

So Nice in Nice

[Chick writes from Nice, where John McLaughlin sat in with the Freedom Band.] It was a blast playing with John again – – it was like the Four Peace Freedom Band with Roy Haynes on drums! We jammed on “Someday My Price Will Come” and “Matrix” – – and then did some Rap Jamming for an encore – – that …

Lots of Fun with Al Jarreau in Marseille

[Chick writes from Marseille, France, where he and Al Jarreau took the stage for an impromptu duet.] Al is such a sweet hearted man. I love his rapport with the audience. He loves them and they love him – – his band is killin’!! I sat in on “Summertime” and “Spain” – a moment to be fondly remembered for a …

A Walk in Perugia

[Chick writes from Perugia, Italy.] It’s nice to take a walk – – beautiful weather here!

Chick Meets Old Friends on the Road

[Chick writes from the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, July 10.] Old home week – – That’s Dee Dee Bridgewater – – lots of fun – – she has a great band. Nice seeing Herbie. Gave me his new CD.