This performance is underwritten in part by a generous donation from Marlies and Helmut Kraemer

Christian Sands was born in New Haven, Connecticut scarcely 30 years ago and he is currently one of the most in-demand pianists working in jazz. As many great and precocious artists, he was drawn to the piano at a very young age and began studying formally by age four. Referencing the piano, he says, “I grew up with it in the house, in the classroom, and on stage, so it has always been a huge part of my life.”

Sands was mentored early by the legendary jazz pianist and musicologist Billy Taylor, but also cites the influence of bassist Christian McBride, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, and pianist Marcus Roberts. Christian matriculated and excelled at the Manhattan School of Music. Upon graduation, Sands notably was invited to be a Steinway artist and shortly thereafter, Christian McBride, one of the brightest stars in the jazz universe, asked him to join his Inside Straight band and then his trio. Both bands toured internationally including appearances for South Florida JAZZ.

To paraphrase his descriptions of his heroes, Christian Sands comes from “the tradition,” but also, he is moving it forward, propelling in fascinating new directions. This is what the jazz greats do, they innovate.

ARTISTIC PERSONNEL
Christian Sands – piano
Yasushi Yakamura – double bass
Jerome Jennings – drums