Christian Sands is only 33 years old, but he’s been playing piano for three decades and has five Grammy Award nominations under his belt, including best Latin jazz piano solo. Wynton Marsalis named him a “jazz star of the future,” and Sands spent six years as the pianist in Christian McBride’s trio and Inside Straight Quartet.
Sands’ stylistic range includes stride piano, swing, be-bop, progressive jazz, fusion, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban. In 2016, he was signed to the prestigious Mack Avenue Records label. His debut CD, “REACH,” was released in 2017, holding down the No. 1 spot on Billboard magazine’s Jazz Albums Chart for four weeks. This young Steinway Artis is taking his place as a leader and an emerging jazz force. He brings a fresh look at the entire language of jazz.
A deeply rich and soulful feeling can be heard in his music, characterized by his infectious energy and spirit. That same spirit is what caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian McBride, with whom he has toured throughout the world’s finest venues for more than six years. “When I first met Christian in 2009, it marked a seminal moment in my career as a bandleader,” McBride said. “He was the first young musician I’d met who had the drive, passion and skill of my peers like Roy Hargrove, Eric Reed, Greg Hutchinson and Antonio Hart. He’s only worried about being the best musician he can possibly be. He’s the ultimate professional.”
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSO by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
