On September 27, a new album titled “Embracing Dawn” was released. Like a meticulously woven musical movie, it deeply reflects the personal journey of pianist and composer Christian Sands, telling a story of healing and victory. Christian Sands frankly stated that during the creative process, he often needs to face challenges and even needs to ask himself twenty questions to seek answers. The album “Embracing Dawn” is the product of this process. To find answers, Christian Sands collaborated with bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Ryan Sands, guitarist Marvin Sewell, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, and harmonica player Grégoire Maret to create this album that fuses multiple music styles, including neo-soul, alternative soul, medium-tempo swing, gospel music, folk music, and acoustic jazz rock. Christian Sands once revealed that he was almost reluctant to create this album because it deeply expresses his personal process of loss, heartbreak, and healing. As an outstanding example of musical narration, each piece of “Embracing Dawn” marks a new chapter in Christian Sands’ journey of acceptance and healing. At the same time, it has become a guiding light, illuminating the way forward for all those who have experienced losses and hardships in life and providing valuable guidance and comfort. Christian Sands, who has had a strong passion for music since childhood, studied at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Christian Sands’ musical expression combines diverse techniques and styles and is known for its poetic delicacy and unique sense of rhythm. These characteristics have become increasingly prominent as he grows. With the release of “Reach” in 2017, Christian Sands quickly became an emerging jazz leader. As his career continues to rise, Christian Sands has shown remarkable qualifications and talents. His piano skills are perfectly integrated with his artistic vision, bringing a new perspective to jazz. As a disciple of the legendary Dr. Billy Taylor, he has inherited the jazz classic of hard bop and interpreted it with more restraint and depth. Collaborations with jazz legends such as Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Yo-Yo Ma, and Christian McBride have made him occupy a pivotal position in the jazz world.
Christian Sands has continuously broken boundaries with his innovative music style and won wide acclaim in the jazz world. He has received multiple Grammy nominations, conducted international tours, and was honored with the title of ‘Knight of Arts and Letters’ by the French Minister of Culture. Now, Sands’ career is booming and having a profound impact globally. He was nominated for the 63rd Grammy Awards for ‘Be Water II’. In addition to his achievements on stage, Sands also composed music for the film ‘Rustin’ by George C. Wolf and has made great contributions to educational projects across the United States, such as the ‘Next Generation Orchestra’ of the Montreux Jazz Festival, ‘July Jazz’ in Amherst, and his international project ‘Christian Sands Kids’ in Copenhagen, teaching English to Danish children through song teaching. On November 21 and 22 at Blue Note Shanghai, and on November 23 and 24 at Blue Note Beijing, Christian Sands will bring his new album ‘Embracing Dawn’ to bring you a deeply healing journey, drawing out those hidden thoughts and listening to yourself and everything.
Ryan Sands, from Orange City/New Haven County, Connecticut. Ryan Sands is one of the top young drummers in his field. His excellent performance has given him the opportunity to perform on the same stage as Terell Stafford, Geoffrey Keezer, Wayne Escoffrey, Tamir Hendleman, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, and Jason Marsalis. He currently serves as the drummer for Christian Sands and the Altus band.Ryan participated in the musical ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ under the guidance of Jeffrey Page and created music for Dominique Morisseau’s ‘Paradise Blue’ under the guidance of Alphonso Horne. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from the New England Conservatory of Music and a master’s degree in jazz arts from the Manhattan School of Music. He has taught at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, Connecticut and the iSchool of Music and Art in Shanghai. Currently, he is a private drum teacher at Yale University and teaches the Yale Undergraduate Jazz Ensemble. Ryan’s recording works include Christian Sands’ ‘Risin’, ‘Christmas Stories’, and ‘Embracing Dawn’. In addition, he has participated in Altus’ ‘Riot Cycles’ and ‘Mythos’, David Knowles’ ‘Blackest Night’, and Shihai Li’s ‘Inner Rhythm’. As a band leader, Ryan released his debut album ‘Standing On the Edge of Tomorrow’ and will release his second album ‘Forest Road: Live at the Side Door’ in 2024.
Jermaine Paul is a performing bassist, educator, producer, and composer from Compton, California. He began learning violin, cello, and vocal music at a very young age. In elementary school, he learned double bass. Later, he entered California State University, Northridge, majoring in jazz studies under the guidance of Gary Pratt. As an emerging professional bassist, Jermaine has had many opportunities to perform, tour, and record, such as collaborating with MC Hammer, Dianne Reeves, Macy Gray, Barbara Morrison, Lido, Teo, Jordan Ward, Jaden Smith, Munyongo Jackson, Redveil, Julius Rodriguez, Carmen Lundy, and Gerald Clayton.Christian Sands, a two-time Grammy-nominated jazz piano prodigy, has performed on world-renowned stages such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Coachella, Giovanni Arvedi Auditorium, Nice Jazz Festival, and North Sea Jazz Festival.
Piano – Christian Sands Drums – Ryan Sands Bass – Jermaine Paul Thought Bubble 1(Can we Talk) Divergent Journey Ain’t That the Same Serenade of an Angel Thought Bubble 2 (Do Not Disturb) Embracing Dawn In a Sentimental Mood Be Water Braises de Requiem Date: November 23rd, 24th, 2024 (Saturday, Sunday) Doors Open: 18:30 Show Time: 20:00 Address: No. 23 Qianmen East Street, Blue Note Beijing Full show open time 11/23-11/24 Saturday-Sunday, show time and duration subject to the venue.Related posts:
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