Stefon Harris & Blackout have created a powerful blend of
jazz and
R&B with a
hip-hop percussion accent on their well-titled CD
Evolution. With
Harris doubling on vibes and marimba, keyboardist
Marc Cary, alto saxophonist
Casey Benjamin, and bassist
Darryl Hall, plus the driving percussion of
Terreon Gully, the quintet's energy is immediately apparent. Their surprising opener is an in-your-face interpretation of the late
Don Grolnick's
post-bop "Nothing Personal," which departs so drastically from the composer's conception that it sounds like a brand new work.
Hall penned the exotic
"For Him, for Her," which features
Harris on marimba and
Anne Drummond's floating flute. Those who have ignored rocker
Sting's work may be shocked when they hear
Harris' lyrical interpretation of the
ballad "Until," which adds
Xavier Davis on piano.
George Gershwin's
"Summertime" gets an overdue makeover with the addition of a
hip-hop rhythm, yet retains its magic with
Benjamin's warm solo and
Harris' imaginative vibes. The many sudden twists within
Harris' infectious
"Blackout" and the chant
"King Tut's Strut" (written by
Hotep Idris Galeta, and adding percussionist and vocalist
Pedro Martinez) also merit attention.
Stefon Harris & Blackout will likely have a huge hit on their hands with this groundbreaking release. ~ Ken Dryden
