Christian McBride releases Kind of Brown

Tree Lawn Artists would like to congratulate CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE on his new release Kind of Brown. This CD, the title of which is a play on the iconic Kind of Blue album title, a nod to McBride's mentor Ray Brown, and a tribute to the omnipresent influence of James Brown, features McBride's new quintet Inside Straight, comprised of pianist Eric Reed, alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, drummer Carl Allen, and vibraphonist Warren Wolf, McBride's former student. The self-produced album, released by Mack Avenue records, blends hard swing to gospel and blues grooves. The set delivers top-notch improvisations and memorable melodies on ten selections, including two tribute tracks - one to the late trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and a cover of "Theme for Kareem" by pianist James Williams.