The definition of a great musician goes beyond instrumental mastery – it includes how that performer works in collaboration with others and how their role fits into the larger picture for the benefit of the music. On this night, McBride teams with a fellow bassist who shares his taste in omnivorous musical exploration, Tennessee-born bluegrass specialist and classical crossover artist Edgar Meyer. A MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient and winner of the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize for achievement in classical music, Meyer has been an indispensible part of the Nashville studio scene for three decades, and collaborated with artists spanning the bluegrass, country, rock, world music, and classical worlds including Béla Fleck, Chris Thile, Emanuel Ax, David Grisman, Joshua Bell, and Mike Marshall. He composed a concerto for violinist Hilary Hahn, and his trio album with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and mandolinist Marshall, Appalachian Suite, topped the Billboard pop charts for 16 weeks. Meyer’s sold-out trio performance with banjoist Fleck and tabla master Zakir Hussain was a highlight of Season 1.

“Mr. Meyer is not only a legitimate heir to this tradition but also a great energizing factor to the field. His versatility should be celebrated.”
— The New York Times

“The deep, dark-maple tone that Christian McBride elicits from an upright bass is one of jazz’s forthright pleasures.”
— The New York Times