UCF’s presence on the national jazz stage continues to grow, with Assistant Professor of Jazz Drums McClenty Hunter Jr. performing as the sole drummer on Christian McBride Big Band’s Grammy Award-winning album Without Further Ado, Vol. 1. The album was recognized in the Large Jazz Ensemble Album category at the 2026 ceremony this past Sunday.
Hunter caught McBride’s attention through a performance at the Montclair Jazz Festival and a subsequent recommendation from a mutual friend. A middle‑of‑the‑night text exchange sparked several performances together and ultimately resulted in Hunter’s participation in the album.
“Being part of Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 was truly an honor,” Hunter says. “Working with Christian and this incredible roster of artists reminded me how deeply connected the jazz community is to the broader musical landscape. Serving as the drummer on the project carried a real responsibility, as Christian’s music draws from many styles and traditions. Seeing the album recognized at this level is no surprise given the artistry and vision Christian brings, but for me the entire experience has been both humbling and inspiring.”
The album, which was released in August 2025, features many notable artists, including a reunion of Sting and Andy Summers from The Police on the track Murder by Numbers. Hunter says that the opportunity to work behind these artists as well as Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, Jeffrey Osborne and others was a powerful reminder of how versatile and alive jazz music continues to be.
Hunter’s role on the album is representative of the depth of professional experience found in UCF musicians, and a practice of public performance and collaboration that is central to the jazz studies approach to teaching and learning.
The jazz studies program, under the direction of saxophonist Jeff Rupert, offers students a comprehensive foundation in performance, composition and production, supported by experiences that mirror the professional world. Students regularly perform in large ensembles such as the Flying Horse Big Band and in smaller chamber groups, work in professional recording environments, and engage with guest artists through the UCF–Orlando Jazz Festival and other events in the community. Resources such as an NPR-affiliated jazz station and an in-house recording label further position the program as a training ground for modern jazz careers.
Hunter joins two other UCF music faculty who have earned recognition from the Recording Academy. Jeff Rupert performed on Benny Carter’s award-winning album Harlem Renaissance (1992) and Director of Choral Activities Jeffery Redding received the 2019 Grammy Music Educator Award for his significant contributions to music education.
