Christian Macbride Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

Jem Aswad Executive Editor, Music The last “Saturday Night Live” of the year is always a special occasion, and 2023 was no exception: Billie Eilish performed the television debut of “What Was I Made For?,” written and recorded for Greta Gerwig’s summer blockbuster “Barbie.” Eilish was accompanied by her brother/ collaborator Finneas and jazz bassist Christian McBride, as well as a six-piece string ensemble. “What Was I Made For?” was introduced by Gerwig who appeared on stage alongside this week’s host (and “Barbie” costar) Kate McKinnon in a joyful embrace.

Ethan Shanfeld Grace Jones, the iconic singer, actor and fixture of New York City’s late-’70s disco scene, will return to Manhattan to perform at the 2023 Blue Note Jazz Festival, marking her first solo headlining show in the city in over 10 years. Jones will kick off the 12th annual edition of the festival on May 31 at Hammerstein Ballroom. On June 24, NxWorries (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge) and Robert Glasper with Lalah Hathaway and Bilal will perform at the fest, which takes place at seven major venues across New York City, ranging from the famous Greenwich Village jazz club Blue Note to the Beacon Theatre. Other locations include Sony Hall, Celebrate Brooklyn at the Prospect Park Bandshell, The Town Hall and Central Park’s SummerStage.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticAndrew Woolfolk, a saxophone player and multi-instrumentalist for Earth, Wind & Fire has died after a six-year illness, band frontman Philip Bailey confirmed in a social media post Tuesday afternoon. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member was 71.“I met him in high school,” Bailey wrote on Instagram, “and we quickly became friends and band mates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name.

Chris Willman Music WriterRecent Oscar winner and late-night star Jon Batiste is premiering a new track, “Sweet Loraine,” that serves as the leadoff single from an upcoming benefit album, “Relief: A Benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians Relief Fund.” Variety has the song’s exclusive debut, below.The album comes out on all formats — digital, CD and LP — Sept.

George Wein, the iconic founder of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, has shared a poignant, thoughtful message about the history of racial inequality in America and the importance of standing up to injustice. The note, posted by jazz bassist Christian McBride, opens with Wein reflecting on the divisions he's seen in the course of his long, storied life.

Touring industry veteran agent Todd Walker has launched his own independent booking agency Outer/Most where he will serve as chief executive. The former Paradigm agent's rouster includes Nils Frahm, Christian McBride, Anoushka Shankar and Ólafur Arnalds and will be run with the help of agent and partner Kelly Deasy and director of operations Amy Butterer, both operating out of Chicago. Walker will be based in Boston.