Bassist Christian McBride, who first gained recognition as a 17-year-old when he worked with altoist Bobby Watson, has been a major musical force ever since.

After playing with the who’s who of jazz as a sideman, he has led a series of stimulating groups ranging from bebop to funk. In addition, he became the artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival in 2016.

McBride’s straight-ahead jazz group, Inside Straight, was particularly notable for showcasing the up-and-coming pianist Christian Sands.

In this trio performance with drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., they deliver a spirited rendition of the uptempo blues “Fried Pies,” with all three musicians delivering excellent solos.

– Scott Yanow