On September 27, a new album titled ‘Embracing Dawn’ was released. Like a meticulously woven musical film, 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 combines multiple music styles, including neo-soul, alternative soul, medium-tempo swing, gospel music, folk music, acoustic jazz rock, etc. 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 work on ‘Embracing Dawn’ marks a new chapter in Christian Sands’ journey of acceptance and healing. At the same time, it has also become a guiding light, illuminating the way forward and providing valuable guidance and comfort for all those who have experienced losses and hardships in life. 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 qualities have become more prominent as he grows. With the release of ‘Reach’ in 2017, Christian Sands quickly became a rising leader in jazz. As his career continues to rise, Christian Sands has shown remarkable qualifications and talent. 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 a prominent figure in the jazz world.
His rhythm is like a roaring lion, whispering softly with immense power, neither too ostentatious nor too restrained, yet captivating every listener. — New York Amsterdam News
Christian Sands demonstrates mastery across the entire keyboard with restrained touch and effortless technique. — The New York Times Having successfully showcased his broad style, Christian Sands is free to follow his music in any direction. — NPR Christian Sands, with his innovative musical style, continually breaks boundaries and has earned widespread acclaim in the jazz world. He has received multiple Grammy nominations, performed on international tours, and been honored with the title of ‘Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres’ by the French Minister of Culture. Currently, Sands’ career is thriving, making a profound impact globally. He was nominated for the 63rd Grammy Awards for his album ‘Be Water II’. Beyond his stage achievements, Sands has also composed the soundtrack for George C. Wolf’s film ‘Rustin’ and contributed significantly to educational programs across the United States, such as the ‘Next Generation Band’ at the Montreux Jazz Festival, ‘July Jazz’ in Amherst, and his international project ‘Christian Sands Kids’ in Copenhagen, teaching English to Danish children through song. On November 21st and 22nd at Blue Note Shanghai, and November 23rd and 24th at Blue Note Beijing, Christian Sands will bring you a deeply healing journey with his new album ‘Embracing Dawn’, drawing out hidden thoughts, listening to oneself, and listening to everything. Other band members include Ryan Sands, one of the top young drummers from Orange/Greater New Haven, Connecticut. His exceptional performance has given him the opportunity to perform with Terell Stafford, Geoffrey Keezer, Wayne Escoffrey, Tamir Hendelman, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, and Jason Marsalis. He currently serves as the drummer for Christian Sands and the Altus band.Ryan has participated in the musical ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ under the guidance of Jeffrey Page, and composed music for Dominique Morisseau’s ‘Paradise Blue’ under Alphonso Horne. Holding a Bachelor of Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory and a Master of Jazz Arts from Manhattan School of Music, Ryan has taught at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, Connecticut, and the iSchool of Music and Art in Shanghai. He currently serves as a private drum instructor at Yale University for the Yale College Jazz Ensemble. Ryan’s recording credits include Christian Sands’ ‘Risin’’, ‘Christmas Stories’, ‘Embracing Dawn’. He has also been involved in Altus’ ‘Riot Cycles’ and ‘Mythos’, David Knowles’ ‘Blackest Night’, and Shihai Li’s ‘Inner Rhythm’. As a bandleader, Ryan released his debut album ‘Standing On the Edge of Tomorrow’ and is set to release his second album ‘Forest Road: Live at the Side Door’ in 2024.
Jermaine Paul, a performing bassist, educator, producer, and composer from Compton, California, began his musical journey with violin, cello, and voice at a young age. In elementary school, he learned the double bass. He later attended California State University, Northridge, majoring in jazz studies under Gary Pratt. As an emerging professional bassist, Jermaine has had numerous opportunities to perform, tour, and record, collaborating with artists such as 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 pianist, 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 I Date: November 21st and 22nd, 2024 (Thursday and Friday) Admission Time: 18:30 Performance Time: 20:00 Venue: 3rd Floor, CITIC Plaza, No. 867 North Sichuan Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai (The entrance is located along North Sichuan Road and can be directly accessed via the mall elevator). Single seat price: ￥260 (early bird) ￥320 (full price) Performance duration is subject to the actual event.Related posts:
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