Live at Tonic cover

Live at Tonic

Christian McBride · 2005

211 min · 20 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate improvisation and rhythmic exploration that encapsulates the essence of modern jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Technicolor Nightmare Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its complex rhythms and expansive improvisation, showcasing McBride’s virtuosity and the ensemble's tight interplay.
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    Sitting on a Cloud — The track features a soulful melody that allows for expressive solos, illustrating the band's emotional depth and cohesion.
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    Bitches Brew — A tribute to Miles Davis, this piece merges funk and avant-garde elements, highlighting McBride's skill in navigating diverse musical landscapes.
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    E Jam — At over thirty minutes long, this track exemplifies the spirit of jam sessions with its extended improvisation that invites deep exploration from each musician.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic jam exploration with peaks
  • extended tracks for deep listening
  • vibrant improvisation in every moment
  • for late-night sessions
  • wave-like pacing rewards patience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, structured songs
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Celebrated for dynamic performances, it resonates deeply with dedicated jazz fans.
Themes
live improvisation· modern jazz fusion· post-bop exploration
Career context
Live at Tonic was released in 2005, marking Christian McBride's continued evolution as a leading bassist and bandleader in jazz. This live album followed his acclaimed studio work, showcasing his ability to blend traditional jazz with innovative improvisational techniques during a peak phase of his career.
New to Christian McBride? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Technicolor Nightmare Start here 12:48
  • 2 Say Something 6:04
  • 3 Clerow's Flipped 6:05
  • 4 Legos De Usted 7:01
  • 5 Sonic Tonic 11:44
  • 6 Hibiscus 6:02
  • 7 Sitting on a Cloud 6:52
  • 8 Boogie Woogie Waltz 14:54

Disc 2

  • 1 See Jam, Hear Jam, Feel Jam 29:23
  • 2 Out Jam / Give It Up or Turnit Loose 9:36
  • 3 Lower East Side / Rock Jam 6:26
  • 4 Hemisphere Jam 3:37
  • 5 Bitches Brew 4:52
  • 6 Out Jam / Via Mwandishi 7:58
  • 7 Mwandishi Outcome Jam 7:11
  • 8 The Comedown Jam (LSD Jam) 3:58

Disc 3

  • 1 E Jam 33:03
  • 2 A Flat Minor Jam 12:59
  • 3 D Shuffle Jam 9:00
  • 4 D Shuffle Jam, Part 2 11:32

What to play next

New York Time
Listen next

New York Time

2006

Continues the vibrant improvisation and expands on rhythmic exploration.
Vertical Vision
Go back to

Vertical Vision

2003

Sets a solid foundation with intricate jazz before the live energy.
Full Christian McBride discography Where to start with Christian McBride Artists like Christian McBride
post-bop

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata