All songs written by Christian McBride except "Too Close For Comfort" (Jerry Bock/Larry Holofcener/George Weiss), "Splanky" (Neal Hefti), "Stars Fell On Alabama" (Frank Perkins/Mitchell Parish), and "Night Train" (Jimmy Forrest/Oscar Washington/Lewis C. Simpkins). Christian McBride's debut as a leader, GETTIN' TO IT, serves only to enhance his growing reputation for elegant, exhilarating musicianship, and offers compelling evidence as to why, at only 22, he's well on his way to becoming one of the most frequently recorded bassists since Ron Carter. The bass features "Splanky" and "Night Train" show what all the excitement is about. The former is a convocation of master players--Milt Hinton's roots extend back to Cab Calloway, while Ray Brown originally emerged as Dizzy Gillespie's teenage bass sensation in the trumpeter's post-World War II band. Together they create a Basie-like blues exchange of four-on-the-floor ideas, and McBride's tone comes across every bit as full and richly detailed as that of his innovative elders. And on "Night Train," a famous blues feature for Jimmy Forrest, McBride's steadfast intonation and vocal phrasing is a marvel for bassists of any age. In the tradition of Oscar Pettiford and Paul Chambers, McBride often uses his bow to set up a melodic attitude. The perfect examples being the ballads "Too Close For Comfort" and "Stars Fell On Alabama," where his direct uncluttered phrasing keeps the groove center stage, as pianist Cyrus Chestnut and drummer Lewis Nash offer dramatic, understated support. Elsewhere, his trio is augmented by powerful stylists such as trombonist Steve Turre, trumpeter Roy Hargrove and tenor saxohponist Joshua Redman, to particular effect on the James Brown-inspired title tune. GETTIN' TO IT is the real deal. Joshua Redman (tenor saxophone); Roy Hargrove (trumpet, flugelhorn); Steve Turre (trombone); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Lewis Nash (drums). Entertainment Weekly (1/20/95, p.53) - "...McBride has a big, fat tone and limitless dexterity, and the music boils..." - Rating: B Down Beat (4/95, p.34) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...his time is flawless, his tone solid, his solos swing and his bowing hits the mark like Robin Hood's..." Option (5-6/95, p.115) - "...impeccable tone and articulation, plus a remarkably melodic, empathetic mode of playing, both in ensemble and solo....An outstanding jazz album..." Musician (4/95, p.71) - "...a rousing experience....GETTIN' TO IT is an exuberant excursion..."