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00000177-b008-d5f4-a5ff-b9f8b4b60000Radar is WBGO's exclusive album preview feature.

Radar: Pianist Christian Sands Makes a Move with His New Album, 'Reach'

Christian Sands CD cover

 

 

When Christian Sands was 12 years old, Dr. Billy Taylor was already telling folks about this young pianist who had a presence in the music like he'd already been here once. Christian McBride felt it too, and made Sands a core member of his Grammy-winning trio.

The key for Sands is in the title of his new album, Reach. And it's in his playing, which grabs your attention with his every intention.

He accomplishes this with the collective talents of Marcus Strickland on saxophone and bass clarinet, Gilad Hekelsman on guitar, Marcus Baylor on drums, and either McBride or Yasushi Nakamura on bass. Sands reaches for and captures it all: bebop, fusion, Afro-Caribbean music and hip-hop, as well as a closing tune with a cartoon pedigree, "Somewhere Out There."

Reach will be released on Mack Avenue on April 21.

1) Armando's Song  2) Song Of The Rainbow People  3) Pointing West  4) Freefall  5) Oyeme!

6) Bud's Tune  7) Reaching For The Sun  8) Use Me  9) Gangstalude 10) Somewhere Out There

In jazz radio, great announcers are distinguished by their ability to convey the spontaneity and passion of the music. Gary Walker is such an announcer, and his enthusiasm for this music greets WBGO listeners every morning. This winner of the 1996 Gavin Magazine Jazz Radio Personality of the Year award has hosted the morning show each weekday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. And, by his own admission, he's truly having a great time.