When Christian McBride gathers a crew, expect fireworks. Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, the fourth outing from the Christian McBride Big Band expands its already massive sound with a knockout roster of special guests that spans jazz royalty, R&B legends, and rock icons. We’re talking Sting, Andy Summers, Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, José James, Jeffrey Osborne, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Antoinette Henry. Not to mention McBride’s 17-piece juggernaut of a band, swinging like it’s their last night on earth.

The spark for Without Further Ado Vol. 1 came from McBride’s long-standing role as musical director of the NJPAC Gala, where he’s been arranging big band charts for a revolving door of powerhouse singers since 2012. “After so many years of writing charts that only got played once,” McBride says, “I realized I had a treasure chest just waiting to be opened.” So he opened it wide, and invited the best of the best to join him.

The album opens with a jaw-dropper: Sting and Andy Summers reunited for the first time since the Police’s 2008 tour, reimagining their co-written B-side “Murder By Numbers” in full big band bloom. McBride calls it an honor. We call it a moment. The throwbacks continue with soul great Jeffrey Osborne revisiting L.T.D.’s “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again,” bringing the funk while McBride’s band kicks it into high gear. “People got up and started dancing, hollering and shouting,” McBride recalls of the tune’s first big band live run. This new version practically begs for the same response.

Vocal jazz’s new vanguard shines just as brightly. Samara Joy, already a multiple Grammy winner at just 25, stuns on the aching ballad “Old Folks.” Cécile McLorin Salvant flips “All Through the Night” from a wistful torch song into a racing dazzler. Dianne Reeves breathes slow-burning soul into “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” while José James leans into the bluesy grit of Bobby Timmons’ “Moanin’.”

The album also pays homage to McBride’s deep Philadelphia roots. Vocalist Antoinette Henry, a fellow CAPA alum and longtime collaborator, delivers a radiant take on “Come Rain or Come Shine.” It’s a full-circle moment for McBride, who first heard her sing while she was waiting tables at Dizzy’s Club.

And when the spotlight returns to the band alone, on the grooving closer “Op. 49 – Cold Chicken Suite, 3rd Movement, " it’s a reminder that behind all these guests is one of the most electrifying big bands in modern jazz, with longtime players like saxophonist Ron Blake making every measure count.

At this point in his career, Christian McBride could rest easy as jazz’s most trusted hand. But Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 proves he’s still pushing forward — bridging generations, styles, and traditions with effortless grace and grit.