Christian Sands Trio

The career of this young pianist developed at an astonishing pace. His extraordinary talent and skills immediately drew the attention of the jazz community in the States.
Christian Sands’ attitude can be compared to that of Wynton Marsalis in the early 1980s, who promoted respect for the tradition and rules of jazz. However, while the trumpeter focused on the mainstream, Sands works much more broadly, drawing not only from old styles and techniques (stride, swing, bebop, modal jazz), but also from afro-cuban, blues, fusion and classical music. What’s more, it places these elements in a contemporary context, thanks to which they gain a new life. His pianism, combining element and reflection, is a synthesis of many interacting ingredients served in an attractive form – catchy melodies, interesting textures, rhythms, varied dynamics and articulation. Although he has an excellent technique, he introduces virtuosity in moderation and it is always subordinated to the overarching idea contained in the work.
He began learning to play the piano at the age of four. He learned his jazz craft at the Manhattan School of Music, where he also made his first recordings. Soon he caught the eye of the legendary pianist Billy Taylor, who became his mentor and facilitated his contacts in the community. He quickly found his way to the first league – as a teenager he played alongside Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock. He gained international recognition in the Inside Straight Quartet of the outstanding bassist Christian McBride. He has also collaborated with Wynton Marsalis (who called him the star of the future), Randy Brecker, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Bill Evans, Russell Malone, Terence Blanchard, Esperanza Spalding, Gregory Porter. He leads his own Quartet and Trio, with whom he records his own albums and performs at the most prestigious festivals.
Among the albums recorded by Sands, Be Water (2020), recorded by his Trio and accompanying musicians, resonated the widest. It is an absolute masterpiece of composition and arranger and a testimony to the enormous progress in the artist’s development; the title track from this album was nominated for a Grammy.

– Bogdan Chmura

Composition:
TBA