Customer Reviews

Black Action Figure

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After listening to this cd several times I had to go back and listen to Stefon Harris' first CD, A Cloud Of Red Dust, to confirm my initial impressions. They have been confirmed. Black Action Figure shows considerable progress from Harris' first CD. Everything about the CD is an improvement. The writing and playing are both stronger. More importantly for me, the new recording is much more cohesive than the first cd. While I enjoyed the first CD, I felt like Harris was trying to do too many different things in the fifty minute length of the CD. Not so with Black Action Figure. This should not be taken to mean that there is not a variety of moods on the new cd, but that the songs fit together nicely as a whole, documenting where Stefon Harris was at the time of this recording. Harris does not play it safe and seems to be searching for a personal way to express himself. This is something I respect a great deal. I would also be very negligent if I did not mention that Harris proves himself more than worthy of the critical attention he is receiving as one of the significant new vibraphone players to arrive in recent years. This is shown to best advantage on the CD on the songs featuring the quartet only. Check it out!

This young man has the range of a musician twice his age. The music not only captivates, but hyptonizes, with it fine blend of vibes, base and horns. This is a must in any jazz audiophiles library.

I really wanted to like this CD. Unfortunately, as vibrant and dynamic of a performer as I suspect Stefon is, this CD does not warrant a glowing review. The impression I get every time I listen to this CD is that the performer is hidden behind a curtain. The dynamics and soundstage of the recording are just muffled enough to detract from the recording's energy, rendering it somewhat opaque. Poor Stefon, he has suffered the curse of the current incarnation of his label, Blue Note. I always hesitate to purchase Blue Note recordings: they just do not maintain the same level of sonic quality that a Mapleshade or Verve does. (A great example of this is Chucho Valdes' recent live recording at the Village Vanguard. Play that CD on a good stereo and you'll left scratching head and wondering if the folks at Blue Note are deaf; the recording's mixing is very poorly done.) I only purchased this CD as an introduction to Stefon, before seeing him perform live in 2 weeks. It will be interesting to see how much of Stefon's abilities this CD actually captures.

Yes, I enjoyed this a lot more than Cloud of Red Dust too. His playing is maturing and will be someone to really watch for. Nice arrangements and variety. Trio version of No Greater Love is great and love the little interludes.

Very easy listening music. Each instrument in the group blended seamlessly throughout, however, each identity still came through.

This recording has some great moments -- and they are all about Stefon Harris. This guy is a virtuoso, and his musical ideas seem to be created on the spot -- completely fresh. The only thing that detracts from this recording are the horns -- the infamous Greg Osby who dislikes melodies of all kinds, always playing "out" and distracting from the music. Unfortunately, Gary Thomas and Steve Turre seem to follow his lead. But there is still some fine music on this CD, and it is well worth buying. I am waiting for Stefon to really find his own voice and bust out with a recording all his own. If that ever happens, it will be a must-listen musical event.

I don't normally give CDs 5 stars. I think people who do are hoping the artist comes through Amazon, sees their rating, and sends them an email they can tell their grandchildren about. Not me. If I don't like it, I don't like it. This Cd, however, is strong. Stefon is a smart, accesible composer, and his playing on the vibes is articulate and full of young groove. He writes and plays like a kid who loves Coltrane, but was raised on a little bit of R&B and rap. A good CD for first-time listeners of jazz, but still very much in the old school tradition.

This is a disappointing CD to me. The compositions and playing sound half formed, like the players were not quite ready to record an album yet and needed more seasoning. The band never really jells. Harris has obvious skill as a player but his ideas are not that compelling. This sounds like a student effort. I realize that other listeners have come to a different conclusion but these are my strong, and honest, impressions.

This was one beautiful CD! I now realize with wet eyes (tears of joy) that life and music really does go on and on... Stefon reminds me of all of the vibe artists of olden times gone and still with us! I loved this CD as it was perfect for chillin' at a cookout or with your lady! I can only say that this CD brings back Mellow Madness or Quiet Storm classic to this whole CD.... A must for any Jazz Afficianado!

ed saunders Nashville, TN