Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands has played professionally for nearly 25 years, growing from child prodigy into a sophisticated jazz musician and composer.

Now 36, the New Haven native has long displayed a deep understanding of post-bop and swing traditions and his most recent album, Embracing Dawn, his 11th as a leader, is a multi-faceted expression of loss, healing and triumph. Embracing Dawn earned a 4-star rating from Downbeat, which called the recording "extremely impressive."