Customer Reviews

Evolution

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

. . . joining recent releases by Dave Douglas, Nicholas Payton, Josh Roseman, and others.

I especially like the way Harris has conceived and presented the sonorities of Fender Rhodes (and various other keyboards) with vibes/marimba. Darryl Hall's acoustic bass and Terreon Gully's drums provide wonderful sonic support and coloration, and Casey Benjamin's alto seamlessly blends into the soundscape along with dreamy flute and very cool percussive effects on about half the cuts. The resulting tonal palette is very pleasing, although to the casual listener it will sound suspiciously like smooth jazz. But don't be fooled. Harris's roots are too firmly in the jazz tradition for him to opt out for smooth jazz, and the compositions and playing, despite their apparent similarity to jazz lite, are far too rigorous and genuinely conversational to be regarded as anything but authentic jazz, although of a very distinctly postmodern type.

As with Dave Douglas's recent disc, Strange Liberation, Harris has forsaken the larger ensemble approach he took with Grand Unification Theory and recorded this disc with his working band. Like Strange Liberation, the results are pretty spectacular. One of the reasons, I think, is that Harris, like Douglas, concentrates more on ensemble playing and group sound than on fiery solos, although there are plenty of the latter especially from the leader and the remarkable Marc Cary, certainly one of the most versatile of modern jazz keys players.

I don't think there's any question but that Stefon Harris is the most interesting vibes player to emerge since Bobby Hutcherson came on the scene in the early sixties (and remains, perhaps, this instrument's leading voice). Interestingly, Harris records a Hutcherson tune, "Montara," from latter's mid-seventies electro-Latin disc of the same title, perhaps acknowledging his present approach as a direct descendant of that disc.

In any case, right now this is my candidate for jazz record of 2004. Check it out.

Because of the lack of good music on current radio stations, I have had a hard time finding new and interesting jazz musicians. I came across Stefon Harris's name in Downbeat magazine. I am awed by this CD. The music is lush and compelling, the beats intricate and riffs are many! The melodies and tonal changes are intriguing. This is a vastly talented group of musicians and a lot of thought and heart went into the making of this CD. Check it out!

I was first introduced to Mr. harris freshman cd A Cloud of red dust.I knew after hearing that, that this cat was on the rise of young new artist to contend with. and after hearing Evolution, again this young man has already exceeded my expectations of his talent. I look forward to his next project.anyone reading this review buy this cd, you will be glad you did.

There has been a lot of mediocre electric jazz/hip-hop/fusion like cross-over stuff these days, but this album is just plain killin' y'all. Harris's original compositions on here are beautiful, his improvisation brilliant. Great soloing from Marc Cary on keys and Casey Benjamin on alto. Terreon Gully's drumming is perhaps the real standout; ridiculously ingenious grooves and accompaniment. Dang, the only other younger cat who can keep up with him these days it seems like is Ronald Bruner in Kenny Garrett's band, but they aren't doing nearly as cool arrangements as these...

If you want to get your hands on some of the hippest new stuff out there you can't go wrong with this, yo :)

Evolution is a superb CD. Every person that I shared this CD, bocomes a instant fan. The music is so insightful that it command to be heard. It is wonderful to such a skilled musician find the medium to convey his talents. He represents Blue Notes pattern of talented musicians. Now! Make DVD of one his performances.

While we don't want to forget the work of classic jazz tradition, it would be a tragic mistake to allow it alone to completely define what we call "true jazz" today, and never move forward. With Evolution, Stefon Harris makes a definitive statement for jazz for the generation of now. This work is a testament to the jazz musicians of our generation. While influenced by the past, as is all music, it is firmly looking forwards, not backwards. Easily one of my favorite Jazz CD's of all time, and I'd certainly agree that it has my vote for the jazz CD of 2004. It's good to see a musician of my generation with such talent.

Accessibly balanced release from the adventurous player makes an ideal starting point for the vibrant vibist.

It gives me no pleasure to criticize an album. Especially Jazz albums that get far too little attention as it is.

However, this one leaves me cold. It opens strongly with three good (great even) tracks, and then takes a bad dive.

By the time it reaches "Summertime" a Gershwin number, he's literally murdering it.

I would also have to say that, to my ear, the quality of this recording is poorer than I'm used to.

These young guys deserve all the praise and plaudits they get, they're working hard to further Jazz. But on this recording Harris is far too middle-of-the-road for me, too lightweight. Daryll Hall is on bass here, and I could barely make out what he playing. There's a lightness, a slightness to the proceedings. Which is a pity, because the opening track is terrific. Even the Sting tune is surprisingly good.

This is a 3 star effort. Apologies for being the only naysayer! In my defense, I have four other recordings by the guy. ;-)

Very Colourful cd!

Good soud, melody and also technique!

I higher recommend!