An artist who needs no introduction, Christian McBride, who is clearly en route to becoming a household name, is busy as ever. Not only is Christian a consummate musician, but he also makes the time to give back to the young musicians of the United States in the hope of affecting a positive change; to provide opportunities for young jazz musicians to build upon the tradition set forth by the forefathers of the jazz world.

Christian’s latest release entitled Live At Tonic, is nothing short of spectacular. I was able to converse with Christian regarding this new release and his various artistic endeavors despite his hectic schedule.

You began playing the electric bass at the age of nine, followed by the acoustic bass two years later. Were you ever interested in playing any other instruments or were you always naturally drawn to the bass?

Well actually, you know when I went to junior high school to study music officially, my first instrument of choice was actually the trombone. However, no one ever told me that playing a brass instrument required that you press your lips in order to produce a sound. I thought that you just blew in it like you blow up a balloon or just like, you know, you just blow. I didn’t know that there was some special type of technique. So I’m blowing my lungs out and there is nothing coming out. I remember the brass instructor saying, “Christian there is a rumor that you play the electric bass” and I said, “Yeah,” and he said, “Well, why don’t you just play the acoustic bass?” At eleven years old there is a certain kid logic that is kind of sweet to a certain extent, and I just remember thinking, “Well why would I want to play two basses if I were to play the electric bass? I don’t need to play the big bass as well.” But he coaxed me into doing it and it was the best thing anyone has ever done for me (laughs).

That is wonderful. We all thank him for that (laughs). Growing up in Philadelphia was there many opportunities for young people to get involved in the arts or was it something that was forcefully sought out?

Not really. Fortunately, there were a whole lot of programs going on in Philadelphia for young musicians. As a matter of fact, I felt like I was a part of almost all of them.

Settlement Music School had a great jazz program where I learned a whole lot, because they always used to bring in a lot of traveling international artists to come through and give clinics and workshops. It was a very worldly experience. It was something that someone at the age of twelve or thirteen could really benefit from. The Settlement music program was also a classical program.

The community college in Philadelphia had a great summer music program. Temple University had many different youth ensembles. There was the Philadelphia youth orchestra, of course. There was the All-City Jazz Band and Orchestra and concert band. There were all kinds of things going on in Philly that I took part in.

You are very fortunate because I know that it deeply saddens me to see that in today’s society, there are such limited opportunities for children and young people in general to participate in the arts programs because of all the government cut backs.