Christian McBride, an eight-time GRAMMY Award winner, showcased his exceptional bass skills alongside fellow GRAMMY winner Billie Eilish on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago. The collaboration featured performances of Eilish’s GRAMMY-nominated song “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie film soundtrack and the holiday classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” on the Studio 8H stage.
McBride expressed his excitement: “Playing on SNL was a total thrill. Billie Eilish has become one of my favorite people to work with; her entire family is the kindest. Also, seeing everyone in the SNL band – many of whom are my good friends – was like a family reunion.”
This wasn’t the first collaboration between McBride and Eilish; they previously performed together at a Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee at the Hollywood Bowl in July 2022. McBride, leading the Count Basie Orchestra, accompanied Eilish on “Fever” and “Is That All There Is,” with McBride serving as musical director and emcee for the show.
Listen to Billie Eilish and Christian McBride live on SNL
McBride, who recently released the track “Why Am I Treated So Bad” with Norah Jones and Questlove, discussed the recording on Jones’ podcast “Norah Jones Is Playing Along.” Additionally, he was featured on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series with his New Jawn band, performing songs from his latest album, Prime. McBride is set to embark on a tour in 2024, with a complete list of dates provided below.
Christian McBride
McBride, who recently released the track “Why Am I Treated So Bad” with Norah Jones and Questlove, discussed the recording on Jones’ podcast “Norah Jones Is Playing Along.” Additionally, he was featured on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series with his New Jawn band, performing songs from his latest album, Prime. McBride is set to embark on a tour in 2024, with a complete list of dates provided below.
Having received his sixteenth GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album and topping DownBeat’s 2023 Reader’s Poll in the “Top Producer” and “Top Bassist” categories, McBride’s accolades extend beyond his virtuosity. He previously dominated DownBeat’s 2022 poll, winning Artist of the Year, Bassist of the Year, and Producer of the Year. His achievements include honors at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, where he won in the Best Mainstream Artist and Best Duo, Group, or Band categories.
Apart from his musical accomplishments, McBride actively contributes to the jazz community. Serving as the Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, hosting the NPR radio program Jazz Night in America, and holding positions as Artistic Director for Jazz House Kids and Jazz Aspen, Artistic Advisor for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Associate Artistic Director for the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, McBride remains a dedicated advocate for the continued relevance of jazz.
Christian McBride's upcoming tour dates are as follows:
- 12/12/23 – 12/17/23: New York, NY – Village Vanguard
- 01/18/24-01/25/24: Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Jazz Cruise ^
- 02/02/24: Chicago, IL – Symphony Center
- 02/08/24: Newark, NJ – Prudential Hall
- 02/10/24: Cleveland, OH – Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center
- 02/15/24: New York, NY – 92nd St Y (The Christian McBride Big Band)
- 02/16/24: Chapel Hill, NC – Memorial Hall
- 02/23/24: Charlotte, NC – Belk Theater ~
- 03/06/24: Durango, CO – Community Concert Hall
- 03/09/24: Lone Tree, CO – Lone Tree Arts Center
- 03/21/24 – 03/24/24: Knoxville, TN – Big Ears Festival
- 04/07/24: Arlington, MA – Arlington Jazz Festival
- 04/13/24: Germantown, TN – Germantown Performing Arts Center
- 05/03/24: Durham, NH – Paul Creative Arts Center ^
- 05/22/24: Roanoke, CA – Shaftman Performance Hall ^
- 05/24/24: St. Louis, MO – The Sheldon Concert Hall ^
- 07/05/24 – 07/07/24: Glynde, UK – Love Supreme Festival
