Gettin' To It (w/C. Chestnut, R. Hargrove, J. Redman)

This 1994 recording was McBride's debut as a leader, and it consolidated his place as the most eminent bassist of the mainstream youth movement. His big sound, relaxed time-feel, and keen harmonic sense all hearken back to the great bass players of the '50s, and his adroit bowed solos can recall the work of Paul Chambers. McBride has assembled some of his most talented peers here in various permutations, forming a tight rhythm unit with drummer Lewis Nash and inspiring strong contributions from trumpeter Roy Hargrove, tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman, trombonist Steve Turre, and pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Together they invoke many of the moods of classic modern jazz, from Chestnut's elegance to Redman's rambunctious energy. Neal Hefti's "Splanky," a staple of the Basie book, gets an unusual workout from a bass trio with Ray Brown and Milt Hinton, McBride holding his own with members of the bass pantheon. --Stuart Broomer