Christian McBride releases ‘Pick A Card’ for Philly Anthems

Eleven-time GRAMMY award-winning bassist and composer Christian McBride has released ‘Pick A Card,’ the latest single from the Philly Anthems project. Supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Philly Anthems is a WXPN initiative that brings together five acclaimed Philadelphia musicians and seven emerging local artists to record 12 original songs centered on themes of freedom and independence.

‘Pick A Card’ features an all-Philadelphia band including Orrin Evans, Byron Landham, and Jeff Bradshaw. The track is described as a blues-infused reinterpretation of 19th-century patriotic marching band music. McBride noted that the title reflects his view of America as a melting pot of differing interpretations of freedom.

The song is the fourth release in the series, following previous tracks by Lady Alma, Eliza Hardy Jones, and Eric Bazilian. The project will continue to feature music from artists such as Devon Gilfillian and several emerging local performers.