Christian McBride | Bebop IS Modern Language (Cherokee Transcription)

Get the free PDF transcription of Christian's walking basslines from this video - openstudiojazz.link/cherokee
Also check out Christian's Open Studio course: Your Sound is Your Signature: openstudiojazz.link/your-sound
Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today → osjazz.link/trial
With just 2 choruses on Cherokee, Christian McBride shows that the lines of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie aren’t outdated in the slightest - proving ‘Bebop language still is modern language.
0:00 Intro
1:45 Walking
2:42 Solo
3:42 Bebop Explanation
4:54 Walking (modern style)
5:49 Solo (modern style)
6:49 Bebop+ Explanation
#bebop #jazzbass #christianmcbride

[@CosmicHippopotamus]

“As best he can”... by that he means a killer solo with absolutely jaw dropping clarity.

[@alainvosselman9960]

I'm going along with that... Man has fire up his fingers...

[@adam__mark]

Bruh was thinking the exact same thing 😂 who’s he kidding he’s killing, humble too though

[@LEVALmusic]

Riiiiiiiiiight!

[@thinktwice4565]

Go vote for Biden Christ tonight. Selling out jazz to politics. We Hope You get more gigs when Biden is elected and Jazz music gets more air Time on radio. You See what makes greatness of Wynton Marsalis ...and you Kids.

[@scatnav]

No wonder he does it for a living.

[@OdgeBrown]

Even his voice is so bassy. He's walking bass and talking bass! Nice!

[@cmvb]

common in jazz musicians hehe

[@linuspaulsen2613]

Love how "modern" jazz is about 60 years old.

[@AndreasDelleske]

Linus Paulsen well „classical“ music is 4 or 5 times older..

[@EzraTF2]

"Contemporary" classical is 70 years old.

[@user-es7rm9gb5g]

When its good jazz and it is !there is no such thing as old stuff

[@AndreasDelleske]

@@user-es7rm9gb5g This! Good music is forever :)

[@user-es7rm9gb5g]

If miles Davis is an authority, he said :listen to Luis Armstrong it is all their

[@mediawolf1]

Aside from the solos, what a masterclass in walking base.

[@exerciserelax8719]

I've always felt that walking is more difficult and impressive than soloing, especially at fast tempos. Soloing gives you little "breaks" to figure out what you're going to do. You can leave space, play long notes, throw in licks and techniques. With walking you *have* to fill the space, every quarter note. Your mind needs to be working the whole time and thinking 3-4 steps ahead so you end up in the right place when the chord changes. You need to know the chords inside and out. It's an incredible skill, and I'm always fascinated when players like Christian can do it so well and make it musical/interesting.

[@willb3698]

@@exerciserelax8719 "Walking"? I would say it's just got into an Aston Martin DB5.

[@clintjones9848]

Playing 8th note lines and beyond at 180 on the upright is way harder than outlining the changes with quarter notes.

[@MingusDynastyy]

​@@exerciserelax8719 I'm taking my basslines back to square one and really figuring it out. I agree

[@petercerlon8624]

7:45

[@billylikitsakosmusic6367]

Christian McBride is an amazing ambassador for Jazz!

[@KH0RNE]

i think the real thing that impresses me at a upright bass who's only been playing for 3 years is how fast and easily they shift on the bass they can just casually play in 4th/5th/6th position. I can play fast, sure, but shifting that far down so quickly and in time with the tempo is just amazing.

[@johnwhite2576]

Man peter and Christian should just record a total album of duets- beautifully minimalist with just enough space.

[@TrumpetManinNC]

Great video. I remember seeing Christian playing with Freddie Hubbard in Boston when Christian was just 18. As Freddie introduced them, the crowd roared for Christian when Freddie told us he was just 18. "Just because he's young, doesn't mean he can play for shit!!", screamed Freddie over the crowd. Yeah, he could play. He blew us away.

[@zinnsky2]

Christian is such an awesome bass player and also comes across as such a lovely and humble guy. My Cherokee joke: Hey, let's play Cherokee.... sure, what key?.... Cherokee!

[@hipcolour]

6:27 the lick for ya

[@ndang01]

Christian is on fire! My forearm muscles got sore just watching him! Complete effortless mastery.

[@WhiteTreeRightful]

I love how when he plays the modern jazz he also throws the licc in there (6:26)

[@i_am_a_music_maker5212]

I could listen to this man talk about anything for hours. And listen to him play bass for hours

[@spooperdooper4265]

I watch this about 4 times a day for personal health reasons

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

😄👍👍👍

[@samuelnelsondale1]

Many Thanks for this Gentlemen. What a high quality human that Christian McBride is, always knew he was but great to see/hear. Thanks too for the encouragement. Also heard (indirectly) recently you've been commenting on Jamulus (?) and maybe Jamkazam saying how good it is to play music live online. That's really helpful to the musician community as many I know are somewhat depressed right now but haven't got online to jam yet. Big Respect. Much obliged. 👌

[@JohnMuskiet]

You killed it!! in the past,now and in the future already!!Thanks this is really great!!

[@UnequalTemperament]

Awesome -- clearly put and wonderfully played -- props to the pianist, too. (Also, nicely shot and produced.) Thanks so much for posting this.

[@BassPlayerNcl]

This man plays so effortlessly. Such an inspiration!

[@badlt.8029]

This was very enjoyable. Very informative and totally killer playing. Thank for sharing!

[@speedchopperbass]

You made my day man. Love your attitude and energy. 2nd rendition was very reminiscent of ESP Ron Carter work. Thanks for the video!

[@ianmackenzie686]

Love it! Gonna learn, practice and add this one to my repertoire. Thanks! 🎶

[@nicdo4023]

Thank you Christian! Your best is the very very best we appreciate

[@johndellaselva687]

Absolute Magic! Love his musicality, especially the second time with the pedals and reharmonization ! Totally understand why everyone wants this guy on their records !

[@KhalDrogo76]

This is an amazing series - anytime I can get schooled on music from a legend such as McBride, immensely valuable!!

[@mtbass3413]

Thank you, Christian McBride! The skill, the knowledge and the joy make you so uplifting. You’re the kind of artist I can watch when I don’t feel like playing and then get myself going anyway. What a great video.

[@mohaiminkarimbass]

A true master on the instrument. Jaw dropping demonstrations that just makes me want to practice more.

[@202tylertucker]

The second solo was breathtaking. So melodic!

[@jamessidney2851]

Thanks for this video. Lots of people talk about these things but a straight up demonstration is hard to come by. And super helpful.

[@percussionquintet]

thank you for providing the transcription which was very helpful in understanding what he was playing on bass

[@JayAyers]

I never knew he was so young. I've been listening to him since high school. Would love to play with him some day. He seems like a cool guy.

[@gmac6503]

Whew! Dang! Kaboom! Just Wow! The playing AND the Interpretation and Knowledge. A Big Thank you!

[@gianlucachiarini9571]

You're a temptation for me to switch from sax to bass. U sound just great, man!!!

[@angelandresmarquez]

Great musician! Thanks to Open Studio and Mr. McBride, of course!

[@danevansdesigner]

Totally fascinating. You make it look so easy. You are truly great.

[@Jojo270573]

He is incredible good. The sound, the swing, the history. It's flawless

[@ManOrWomanIDK]

This was an awesome video! Great playing by both of you!

[@andrew4282]

Bro I just love Christian he’s so good. I love his tone on bass it’s like literally perfect.

[@clicks59]

This shows what natural talent and dedication to practicing can yield.

[@christianvitale542]

Christian you are my favorite.....Monster!!! 👏👏

[@heavypiano]

The quality on these videos is insane.

[@bralingii1635]

So very nice and well-executed. He's truly amazing. My approach is have fun and tell a story.

[@wooddawg4868]

You got some dam good reading ability and speed which lets you know actual tune pace and recognition. I can read only half as good as you but on a thigh bass I break it down slower and play beneath my crew and hold it down. In a club and church playing the average listener only understands the beat and pulse. Your so advanced that only skilled bass players can understand you or keep up with you.

[@Himothy4269]

He came to talk to us and play a little bit at a newport jazz camp that I did it was a very cool experience

[@SamiMakeMusic]

putting the "master" in Masterclass!!! what an performer and educator.. The world lucky to have Sir McBride on the bass!!

[@CWBella]

Really great when Christian calls out what he's doing ("pedal", etc.). Helps to understand.

[@johnclaytonjr]

Preach, my lil bro!!!!!!!! Such helpful wisdom. Thank you

[@MichaelCarswellMusic]

Wow. Glad I found this video. Another amazing bass player I can listen too. Awesome stuff bro.

[@patzimmusic]

the groove between these two is mind blowing

[@musanhlapo9598]

guys.... thank u so much for this - what a treat!

[@willmcbride4435]

God bless Christian for speaking with us. He is so, so, so far beyond where I could even dream to be. But he just comes off as so damn approachable. Love it.

[@67er_matze97]

this swings soooo hard !!! great work fellas 👍

[@lynnlo]

Never knew bassist could solo like that, wonderful work.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

Once Charlie Parker knew how to play Cherokee in all keys, that's when he knew he was ready. This is an old story by now.

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

It is an old story but why do you think that's the case? (Cherokee in 12 keys opening everything up..)

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

It is an old story but why do you think that's the case? (Cherokee in 12 keys opening everything up..)

[@paulbennett3627]

@@Ayo.Ajisafe yes...Cherokee is actually pretty easy harmonically, compared to many other tunes

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

@@paulbennett3627 could it be the modulations pattern?

[@CosmicHippopotamus]

demejiuk Story goes that he was an absolute monster in one key, got embarassed when the house band played it in a different key. I doubt it had much to do with Cherokee and was more about his fluency in different scales.

[@Opus766]

Seemingly effortless power and projection. I don't mind solos with low action and a loud pickup but I much prefer this naturally beautiful sound

[@dpwaldman3145]

How sweet. I’m smilin’. Thanks, gentlemen!!!!

[@brentonkim]

excellent playing and content. thank you!

[@jonunderscore]

Holy crap this guy can play! Both solos were amazing. Great lesson too.

[@JeannieSargent]

Awesome, so nice to see heroes on youtube during these times!

[@TheLadsonsouza]

Maestro! Thanks for sharing great teachings.

[@benharrisjazzarcobass6754]

You are so far beyond most -maybe all bassist. I am not bragging about you it’s just a Fact...Thank you for that absolutely killer lessons!!!

[@angelopianamusic4482]

Amazing video!! Thank you Christian

[@skimanization]

He's a real "Young Lion" of jazz double bass. He's got the whole world of Bebop on his fingers! I wish I could play like that. Practise makes perfect! Thanks.

[@RichardCowdrey]

What amazing touch and feel he has

[@johnpick8336]

Thank you for posting !

[@ParlaAmericanoWithBob]

Whoa ! Christian. can play ! I seen him in Montclair NJ a few times. Never gets old.

[@dwodo21]

That was ridiculously amazing!!

[@portcherish]

was fortunate enough to see him with Edgar Meyer once. One of the most amazing music experiences of my whole life.

[@kevinthebeagle]

love this, what a great lesson thanks so much!!

[@alexeyvlasov8790]

Awesome! I shout definitely try it home;) Thanks!

[@TheRmoroni]

thank you guys!

[@tonomora6837]

Excelente!!! The power of bass in the bebop.

[@lahloonatic]

That was wonderful!

[@musterionsurly]

so well done. Thanks.

[@1nikitawhite]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@TheCiaP2]

Brother imagine is a kick ass solo bro I'm glad you gave it your best

[@balbino4]

Very very very very good! Thank You very much!

[@garymelnyk7910]

You’re an inspiration Christian! As a player. But also as a man! Go well, our love follows you like your shadow.

[@drummerschild6487]

May we all embody this attitude in whatever it is that we do Amen!

[@user-es7rm9gb5g]

Thank you so much for a real usefull lesson we live and learn

[@lwendt1]

Just...wow. Great technique, killer musicality!

[@adamrafferty]

Awesome Christian and Peter!

[@NigelSequeira-py3kq]

FANTASTIC thank you sirs!

[@serge1336]

Thx ! Great job!

[@iiWNMii]

Thanks for the wisdom.

[@flavioalheira]

Absolutely awesome!!!!!

[@music-collective]

This is masterful. Love it.

[@kultan2000]

Great work fellas.

[@tlincicome2957]

Dude! You're amazing!

[@SBJBeats]

6:27

[@pierat1242]

tHe LiCk

[@mackenzieyarish2717]

I was looking for this comment!

[@plp2644]

i gotta respect this comment

[@diplamatikjuan3595]

It reigns supreme

[@cattleprods911]

Awesome bro, really good stuff there!

[@marianlevy9232]

Two of the greatest jazz musicians on the planet 🌎🎶👏

[@drummerschild6487]

Amazing teaching

[@AriaCannavo]

What a monster, great teacher, and super cool guy. And to the unknowing who do not understand the concept of modern jazz (Some comments below). With bebop, jazz language reached a point of maturity, where its syntax could now support the completion (if you will) of the jazz idiom, with all the developments that would follow, including contemporary (not to be confused with modern) expressions. This concept is not unique to jazz, and can be identified in a other art forms. More generally there seems to be a point in the evolution of various art forms, where no matter how much time has past, the work or specific technique no longer seems dated. To give a very rough and very specific example (emphasis on “very rough” in anticipation of nay sayers), there is a point in the history of painting (renaissance, Brunelleschi etc.) where geometric perspective emerges. That then becomes a mature fixture in the history of the art form, that will continue to inform future developments. And so it’s absence in prior works is part of what creates the sense of their being dated. (I am not claiming by the way that renaissance art is modern art). So now If you listen to Bud Powell or Bird -for example- you’ll hear plenty of lines, ideas, devices techniques etc, that would fit right into a performance by the likes of Chris Potter, Bergonzi, Kenny G (Garret), and on and on. This is why Bebop in a very important sense does not sound dated in quite the way that, for example, New Orleans jazz does. (Again for naysayers, I’m not making a value judgement) And there are endless examples of this on the internet. Listen to guitarists playing transcriptions of Bird. That guitarist can take those lines and bring them into any straight ahead jazz performance today and they still work, still sound hip, and always will. That’s why Bebop is and should be referred to as modern jazz. Joseph P Cannavo

[@tedl7538]

@ jpcannavo "Kenny G"? Yikes!

[@goozdail]

I agree and that was an interesting read !

[@counterfit5]

@@tedl7538 I've been told he's actually a good bebop player. I have not verified this for myself

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

Actually, the argument can be made that Jazz reached its conclusion quickly due to not having to have small innovations doled out and milked for marketing purposes like pop, inasmuch as it's not marketed at all.... Nobody's done anything "new" for ages.

[@stephennowels1909]

Nice job on the transcription, Nathan Pence.

[@ivansultanoff6719]

Superb playing💤

[@robertpowell9618]

I can't help it, Christian. You are awesome

[@nemo227]

It's music to my ears and soul.

[@awaspow]

Made me miss playing and learning new stuff Going back into it noe

[@voodoochile68686]

Thank god the beginning is the best backing track I know of

[@rvmpinto]

Fantastic!