CHRISTIAN McBRIDE'S URSA MAJOR
- Montclair Jazz Festival
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Christian McBride’s Ursa Major — A New Constellation in Jazz
Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Christian McBride has once again redefined the landscape of modern jazz — this time with his brand-new band, Ursa Major.
This latest ensemble showcases McBride’s ever-evolving artistry and his commitment to pushing the music forward while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. Featuring a dynamic lineup of next-generation heavyweights — Ely Perlman on guitar, Nicole Glover on tenor saxophone, Mike King on piano, and Savannah Harris on drums — Ursa Major blends power, precision, and passion.
“This band represents a new era,” says McBride. “Ursa Major is about strength, exploration, and listening hard to each other — it’s a deeply musical conversation.”
A Bold New Chapter for a Jazz Icon
The name Ursa Major — Latin for “Great Bear” — symbolizes both celestial strength and grounded storytelling. McBride, long considered a guiding force in jazz, brings a cosmic energy to this group, aligning cutting-edge improvisation with the soulful swing that defines his signature sound.
Each performance is a journey, connecting the dots between hard bop, spiritual jazz, blues, and more — while always keeping the groove front and center.
Festival audiences can expect:
Explosive solos from some of the most exciting voices in jazz today
Deep listening and dynamic interplay among master musicians
A fresh sound that bridges generations and genres
From Stage to Studio to Jazz House
Beyond the stage, Ursa Major reinforces McBride’s ongoing mission to uplift the future of jazz. As Artistic Director of Jazz House Kids and Montclair Jazz Festival, he continues to mentor the next generation of artists while pushing his own sound into new galaxies.
For fans of modern jazz, Ursa Major is more than just a new release — it’s a masterclass in group interplay, compositional depth, and soulful expression.
Listen to Ursa Major now on all major streaming platforms and catch Christian McBride live at select tour dates — including a headlining set at the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival.
🎶 Catch Christian McBride’s Ursa Major LIVE at the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival — and experience firsthand the magnetic pull of this new constellation in jazz.
📣 Follow JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and Montclair Jazz Festival for the latest on artist features, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming performances.
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