FACES ‘94: Some Names to Be Reckoned With in the New Year : JAZZ : Christian McBride

Bassist Christian McBride’s protean talents were well known within the jazz community as long as three years ago, when he was heard as a member of Freddie Hubbard’s quintet and Benny Green’s trio, among others. But it was in 1993, when he toured with sax upstart Joshua Redman’s quartet, that this remarkable musician’s profile bloomed.

Bassists aren’t usually headed for stardom--the number of leaders who play the accompanying, though essential instrument, can almost be counted on one hand. But star status seems destined for McBride, who’s already had an impact on modern jazz that’s similar to the splash the redoubtable bassist Paul Chambers made in the mid-’50s.

This extraordinarily gifted musician’s most dazzling aspect is his resounding, pliable tone--his notes are dark, round and resilient. Then there’s his commanding sense of time, his ability to put the right notes in the right places, no matter the tempo. His solos are delivered horn-like, with dashing, fluid lines a regular feature. Finally, he’s also an astute composer with something to say. All this, and McBride’s just 21 years old.

* MORE FACES FOR ‘94: Rap: Domino; country: Bobbie Cryner; classical, Michael Kieran Harvey; theater: Cheryl L. West; movie making: Ron Mita, Jim McClain; family: Parachute Express. F4