Christopher McBride f/Josh Evans

Biography

Christopher McBride is an American jazz saxophonist and composer known for his work rooted in bebop while incorporating elements from the Black music diaspora, including Chicago juke and swing influences. He leads the band Christopher McBride & The Whole Proof, featuring pianist Jon Thomas, bassist Barry Stephenson, and drummer Michael Piolet, with frequent guest appearances by trumpeter Josh Evans and others. His music reflects personal experiences, places, and events that shaped his life, as explored in his 2025 album 'The Hang, The Hustle, The Path,' which includes ten original compositions and two covers.[3][4]

Fun Facts

• One composition, 'Seven (The Human Cost)', was written the day after McBride visited the National African American Museum of History and Culture, inspired by a paragraph on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade noting slaves' bodies lasted about seven years after arrival in America.[3]
• 'The Hang, The Hustle, The Path' title track connects his childhood to his current career, blending Chicago juke music with swing in a bold compositional risk.[3]
• He was selected as the 2022 Make Jazz Fellowship composer.[7]

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Josh Evans - frequent guest trumpeter on albums ('The Hang, The Hustle, The Path' (tracks: 'Opportunity Lost', 'Seven (The Human Cost)', 'Funky Good Señor Blues')) [2025]
• Jon Thomas - pianist/keyboardist/organ in core band The Whole Proof ('The Hang, The Hustle, The Path') [2025]
• Barry Stephenson - acoustic/electric bassist in core band The Whole Proof ('The Hang, The Hustle, The Path') [2025]
• Michael Piolet - drummer in core band The Whole Proof ('The Hang, The Hustle, The Path') [2025]
• Wayne Tucker - guest trumpeter ('The Hang, The Hustle, The Path' (track: 'CHI to NY')) [2025]

External Links

• Spotify