Stefon Harris | Black Action Figure
Occasionally, I love to flip through my music collection and spin some sounds I haven’t heard or have over looked. In this case, I’m pleased to share with you in review of mallet virtuoso Stefon Harris and his 1999 recording entitled “Black Action Figure” produced by his label-mate Greg Osby [saxophonist] on Blue Note Records.
Vibraphonist Stefon Harris is intellectually and stylistically one of the brightest voices of his “Generation X,” contemporaries. Nonetheless, once you’ve heard this cat play you’ll immediately know his aptitude and timbre is in tack, his skills and music speaks for itself. The beauty of artist like Harris is his enterprising voicing(s) are responsive to his intrepid vision as he humbly expresses himself within the affluent framework of traditional jazz. Isn’t that what jazz is really all about?
Finally, Stefon’s gift for articulating his instrument and compositions are splendid, he’s imaginative, consistent, and his tonality is marooned on the thesis of players reminiscent of greats like Bobby Hutcherson and with admiration for mallet masters Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson as well. Once you’ve listen, you’ll discover “Black Action Figure,” [as in all his recordings] to be an inquisitive modern jazz excursion that embellishes the characteristics that a jazz aficionados expects to hear.
~ Rob Young
I remember this cd..i loved it at the time and i still do...u might call Stefon a truth seeker..it was like what the second album he was just coming out the box...I like vibe players..tryin to discuss him on various jazz forums kind of fell on deaf ears...lol...love this brother he keeps it movin'..He is one of the innovators of our time
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Have you thought of madking a some videos for this blog to keep the readers entertained?
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