A Word With Jazz Pianist Christian Sands

Christian Sands is currently one of the most sought-after pianists in jazz. A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Sands was exposed to a diverse range of music from a young age. By his early teens, he was a protégé of renowned jazz educator Dr. Billy Taylor and took lessons from Dave Brubeck. Most jazz enthusiasts recognize him as a captivating presence in bands led by bassist Christian McBride, who followed a similar rise to fame around the time Sands was born.

Already the recipient of five Grammy® award nominations and a Steinway-endorsed artist since 2012, Sands released his debut album Reach on Mack Avenue Records in April 2017. 

The Christian Sands Trio will perform at the Kahilu Theatre on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at http://kahilutheatre.org.

Where does this interview reach you?

I’m home in New York. If you had called me two days from now, I’d be in China.

I understand this is your first visit to Hawaii.

Yes, it is! We're looking forward to it.

What can folks look forward to at your upcoming shows here?

Just to have a good time. I'm an artist and entertainer, and I love presenting great music for people to enjoy. We want people just to be open… have an open heart, an open mind, and then we're going to take them on a musical journey.

Did you want to say a few words about your current release, Facing Dragons?

The album is about self-exploration. The title came from a moment of self-reflection while trying to find answers I needed. I always put myself into my music and hope it reaches others, allowing them to do the same. I wanted to spark questions, not only for myself but also for the listener. For example, ask yourself, Who are you, and who are you today? What obstacles are you preparing to face? Whether it's a new job, a new relationship, or anything else. What will happen in your future? At the same time, reflect on the past—where you come from and what makes you who you are right now. That’s what the whole album was about. 

Can you talk about your new record that’s coming out in the spring?

I can't really discuss it too much—especially in detail—because we just finished recording it yesterday. But it’s fresh! It’s a good one! I think people will be very surprised, in a good way, once they hear it. It's going to spark a lot of different ideas. I really pushed myself artistically. Like I said before, I'm always putting my experiences into the music. Since the last record, I’ve traveled more and met more people. This album is the next step. I've expanded the band and the sound, while still keeping it consistent with my last two records. People will really enjoy the variety and the music on it. 

There are several guest appearances, including trumpeter Sean Jones and saxophonist Marcus Strickland. He's been featured on my last two records. Marvin Sewell is on guitar; he's definitely one of my favorites. Steve Davis plays the trombone. Fans of Davis know he’s worked with Chick Corea for years. Clarence Penn is on drums. There's a lot of fun and familiar names and faces on this record!

What was it like playing the mainstage at the Newport Jazz Festival this year?

Amazing! Absolutely amazing. I was very honored and privileged to do that. It definitely makes you feel good as an artist. It wasn't my first time, but it's always great to be on the main stage, overlooking the harbor with the breeze coming in so it's not too hot on stage! (laughs) You really appreciate that. 

Christian Sands. Photo: Steve Roby

You were also the Music Director for the Monterey Jazz Festival tour this year.

It was a great experience because each artist was in the same age range, but we were all working on different projects. I like to say that we came from different branches of the jazz tree. Some were more traditional, others more contemporary, and some right in the middle. We had different “flavors” on the “plate” we were serving to people! (laughs) We were on the road for a month, so it was wonderful to bond and be part of this group, in this generation, coming together to make music.

What are your thoughts on the current state of jazz music?

I think it's constantly changing, just like it has always been. I believe jazz reflects people and all the interactions we share. Jazz tells that story. So, right now, we are all connected on multiple levels, whether through social media or our neighbors. If I want to hear Hawaiian music, I just type it into my phone, and there it is. Jazz encompasses all of that. There are countless versions of jazz, and it keeps changing every day because life, society, and people do too. Currently, there are many flavors of jazz. I like to cook—if you couldn’t tell! (laughs) Musicians have to eat, too.

Can you tell me about the trio you’re bringing with you to Hawai’i?

Yasushi Nakamura will play bass. He was part of Facing Dragons and has worked with many musicians. He is the top-call bassist in New York City – a very special musician! I call him my brother in arms. John Davis will be on drums, and this will be his third time playing with us. John is also very special. For fans of Cassandra Wilson, he played with her for many years. We've also recorded with the talented young bassist Ben Williams and worked with his band many times. We've known each other for a long time, and he's a very dynamic musician and a lot of fun to work with.

Is there anything you’d like to add before we leave?

I’m working on my Hawaiian, and I learned a phrase... Maui Nō Ka ʻOi [Maui is the best].

That will work when you’re on Maui, but not so much here on the Big Island.

I’m learning. I’m learning. I’ve never been! (laughs) I dig it. I’m really looking forward to coming to the Big Island, learning as much as I can, and sharing the stories of the people I meet. I want to find out who cooks the best fish! (laughs)

If You Go… Have A Good Show!

 The Christian Sands Trio will perform at the Kahilu Theatre on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50/$25 and can be purchased at kahilutheatre.org, (808) 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela (Waimea).

There’s more information on Christian Sands at: Mack Avenue Records | Artist Website

Steve Roby is a music journalist, a best-selling author according to the L.A. Times, and originally from San Francisco. He has been featured in the NY Times, Rolling Stone, and Billboard Magazine. Roby also serves as the Managing Editor of Big Island Music Magazine. 

Photos: Steve Riby