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.



  • Emily_Remler_-_Photo_by_Brian_McMillen_%284%29_copy_2.jpg

    “She said, ‘A lot of people are going to try and stop you,’” Sheryl Bailey recalls of the advice she received from jazz guitarist Emily Remler (1957–’90). “‘They’re going to say you slept with somebody, you’re a dyke, you’re this and that and the other. Don’t listen to them, and just keep playing.’”

  • Ted_Nash_Alexa_Tarantino_by_Gilberto_Tadday_copy.jpg

    As Ted Nash, left, departs the alto saxophone chair for LCJO, Alexa Tarantino steps in as the band’s first female full-time member.

  • Larry_Appelbaum_with_Wayne_Shorter_by_Ken_Kimery_from_2012_copy.jpg

    Larry Appelbaum with Wayne Shorter in 2012.

  • Coltrane_John_008_copy_2.jpg

    “This is one of the great gifts that Coltrane gave us — he gave us a key to the cosmos in this recording,” says John McLaughlin.

  • Cynthia_Erivo_Herbie_Hancock_by_Kevin_Winter%3AGetty_Images_for_the_Recording_Academy_copy.jpg

    Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock perform “Fly Me To The Moon” during a Grammy Awards tribute to Quincy Jones on Feb. 2.


On Sale Now
April 2025
Isaiah Collier
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad