Concert Review: Christian McBride, Benny Green and Gregory Hutchinson at the Village Vanguard

No one in Kansas City should be surprised to learn that Bobby Watson was name-checked during the late show at the Village Vanguard on Tuesday, December 5. Christian McBride told the near-capacity New York City audience of more than 100 that he and pianist Benny Green first worked together under the direction of the Kansas City saxophonist. Propelled by drummer Gregory Hutchinson, the trio honored Ray Brown by interpreting material associated with the late bass legend. McBride did astounding things with his instrument on blues-based material including “Ja-Da” and “Blues for Junior”. Only the presence of Watson might have improved the trio’s straight-ahead swing.