Premiere: Pianist Christian Sands Continues His Evolution On ‘Drive,’ A Track From ‘Be Water’

  I  
Image

Pianist Christian Sands is set to release Be Water on July 17.

(Photo: Anna Webber)

Despite Christian Sands’ clear affinity for Erroll Garner, the pianist’s upcoming release, Be Water, depicts an artist moving well beyond the confines of the jazz tradition.

Expanding on his 2018 album, Facing Dragons, Sands again taps saxophonist Marcus Strickland for assistance on “Drive,” a tune off the upcoming album that premieres below. While the pair clearly are working in a 21st-century mode, a solo from guitarist Marvin Sewell helps the ensemble push toward the edge of genre.

“‘Drive’ is about ambition. It’s about being determined on wherever you’re going,” Sands said. “It’s also about the journey itself, the moves one makes to get to a goal. It’s self-reflection, it’s aspiration, intention and purpose.”

Be Water is set for release through the Mack Avenue label on July 17. DB

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the release date of Be Water. DownBeat regrets the error.



  • Claire_Daly_George_Garzone_at_Dizzys_2023_5x7_copy.jpg

    Claire Daly, right, ​performs with tenor saxophonist George Garzone at Dizzy’s in 2023.

  • Quincy_Jones_by_artstreiber.com1.jpg

    Quincy Jones’ gifts transcended jazz, but jazz was his first love.

  • Roy_Haynes_by_Michael_Jackson_2012.jpg

    “I treat every day like it’s Thanksgiving,” said Roy Haynes.

  • John_McLaughlin_by_Mark_Sheldon.jpg

    John McLaughlin likened his love for the guitar to the emotion he expressed 71 years ago upon receiving his first one. “It’s the same to this day,” he said.

  • Lou_Donaldson_by_Michael_Jackson_2015.jpg

    Lou Donaldson was one of the originators of the hard bop movement in jazz back in the 1950s.


On Sale Now
January 2025
Renee Rosnes
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad