Christian Mcbride The Movement Revisited

The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons is culminating documentation of a richly inspired piece – lauding four key figures of the Civil Rights Movement: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali. Marshaling his ever-sharpening skills as a composer, arranger, conductor, musician and lyricist, Christian McBride has created a historically and culturally illuminating five-part suite for an 18-piece big band, chorus and narrators that places the motivating forces as well as the goals of the Civil Rights Movement within a powerfully relevant artistic context. It is a one-from-the-heart project McBride was, apparently, destined to undertake. This recording of The Movement Revisited marks the addition of a fifth movement, “Apotheosis,” which acknowledges the election of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States.

Christian McBride is Philadelphia jazz royalty. For People Music, the second album by his new quintet Inside Straight, the bandleader has composed eight lively tracks rooted by his dexterous bass work. Over McBride's dynamic low end, the songs are fleshed out with Steve Wilson's graceful saxophone melodies, shimmering vibraphone riffs courtesy of Warren Wolf, and elegant piano work from both Peter Martin and special guest Christian Sands. Highlights include the centerpiece "The Movement Revisited," which showcases the group in ravishing post-bop form, and the wistful ballad "New Hope's Angel," on which McBride allows himself the spotlight with a restrained, stylish solo.