A Family Affair cover

A Family Affair

Christian McBride · 1998

66 min · 10 tracks · post-bop

A vibrant tapestry of jazz grooves, blending soulful melodies with intricate rhythms and heartfelt improvisation.

Why this album works

This album is notable for its fusion of post-bop and soul influences, earning critical acclaim and solidifying McBride’s reputation within the jazz community. It features a mix of original compositions and arrangements, showcasing his ability to blend various styles seamlessly, which influenced many contemporary jazz musicians.
Career context
Released in 1998, 'A Family Affair' marked Christian McBride's third album as a bandleader, following his acclaimed debut 'Gettin' to It' and the sophomore effort 'Number Two Express'. By this time, McBride was establishing himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, showcasing his virtuosic bass skills and compositional prowess.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I’m Coming Home Standout 7:01
  • 2 A Dream of You 4:41
  • 3 Family Affair Standout 6:43
  • 4 Theme From Our Fairytale 7:00
  • 5 … or So You Thought 5:43
  • 6 Summer Soft 6:42
  • 7 Brown Funk (for Ray) 6:17
  • 8 Open Sesame Standout 9:29
  • 9 Wayne’s World 7:32
  • 10 I’ll Write a Song for You 4:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata