Urbanus

Stefon Harris, Stefon Harris And Blackout | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 25, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B002HWUU0Y
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,023 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Famed vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris returns with his Concord Jazz debut, Urbanus; a spectacular piece of work sparkling with optimism, ingenuity and emotional immediacy. Special guests on the album include Y.C. Laws (percussion), Anne Drummond (alto flute), Anna Webber (flute), Mark Vinci (clarinet & bass clarinet), Sam Ryder (clarinet), Jay Rattman (bass clarinet), and Rigdzin Collins (violin). This is Harris' and Blackout's first recorded collaboration in five years,following their successful 2004 album "Evolution".

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pushing jazz into the future one influence at a time August 25, 2009

By Scott Woods

Format:Audio CD

If you like Stefon Harris, you'll like this record. It's not as straight-ahead as some of his earlier stuff, but that's the point of playing with this particular band, Blackout. When he plays with these cats the songs take a modern turn and incorporate a lot of different influences and colors.

I love this band, and Harris has eased up on the composing tip (but produces the record in full). it's got a few of my favorites players on the scene: Harris, Marc Cary on keys and Terreon Gully, who I am sure is the meanest-looking musician today that isn't a rapper. Trying to get into my world is saxophonist/vocoder player Casey Benjamin, who brings a really sharp edge to this record and to their live show that wasn't in the forefront as much on the first Blackout record. He plays vocoder old school style, like Herbie Hancock 70s-era "Trust Me" kickin' it: rich, mad expressive...not even trying to amplify the human voice at all, so much as play the part of sad computer. It's like the future singing to you. Amazing work.

There's a little something for every kind of jazz head here, but at ten tracks it may be too little for some who lean heavily in one direction or another. Me? I appreciate Harris's mission, so I just go along for the ride, in all the directions he wants to go as a leader. In his world, jazz is supposed to be fluid and pushing forward and this record is a genuine testimony to that.

My favorite track is "For You", a beautiful ballad that really showcases the tone and range of this band. When I heard it live a while ago I knew I had to get this record. It also adds some nice string and wind work.

Get it. It's what jazz should be doing now: tipping its hat at everyone it meets and incorporating them into its course.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must buy for jazz fans! Excellent Album September 23, 2009

By Aussie Jazz Fan

Format:Audio CD

A love for jazz can take you in so many directions, and this album creates a path of its own. It has a great soothing, calming, yet inspirational sound, that really takes you on a journey. You are able to hear an original sound, with a touch of influence from the past. Having followed the band over time, it is unbelievable to hear the growth of each musician, and the band as a whole, which really shines through in Urbanus.

Having seen Stefon Harris & Blackout perform live on various occasions, it is great to hear that they were able to capture the unity, creativity and overall aura on the album to match their live performances.

If you've listened to the other albums, you'll be pleased to see the progression of the bands sound, and understand how much of an impact this band has and will continue to have on Jazz music today. If your new to Stefon Harris & Blackout, exploring your love for Jazz, then your in for a treat and will not be disappointed.

I really enjoy Urbanus, and think this album is a must have not only for Jazz fans, but fans of music in general.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars "Blackout" is back! December 13, 2009

By T. Brown

Format:Audio CD

It's been 5 years since Stefon Harris & Blackout released their awesome debut "Evolution" on Blue Note. Now they are back on a new record label (Concord Music), with their long-awaited new CD "Urbanus". The players on the new album haven't changed since the last one (Ben Williams replaces original member Darryl Hall on bass). I'll tell you. These guys can play! In addition to the hip-hop inspired jazz that has been their staple (check out drummer Terreon Gully's "Tanktified"), we're also treated to some straight-ahead playing, with the late Jackie McLean's "Minor March" & keybordist Marc Cary's "The Afterthought". The versatility in their playing is evident on this disc. So why did I give it 4 stars? I could've done without the use of saxophonist Casey Benjamin's vocoder on some of the tracks, particularly on their remake of Buster Williams' ballad "Christina", which Harris also played on Williams' "Lost In A Memory" album. The vocoder takes away the beauty & the intimacy of this composition, & if you ever heard Buster Williams' version on the CD I just mentioned, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. But other than that, "Urbanus" is a good CD for those people seeking that happy medium between jazz & R&B, although in my opinion, I think their "Evolution" CD is better. 4 1/2 stars!!!