Talkin’about taking
the music to a whole new level. Stefon Harris and Blackout are all up
in the pocket! I saw Stefon last month when he was in town with Kenny
Barron. I talked about the up coming show at the Bakery and he had the
smile of a 5 year old about to ride the new bike for the first time,
extremely excited! This, of course, made me super anxious to see what
he had in store for us! Well, Stefon and Blackout delivered like
Our very own Lakers have been a major reason that the crowds have not been at the Jazz Bakery all week but, they were here tonight and the music could not have been more outstanding!
Blackout is the band who is named after a Stefon Harris original. And just as that tune takes off, the band explodes with a higher order and a higher energy, elevating the jazz standard to the next plane. This is a feat which is not easily done by many but, no problem for the astounding cats that bless us with their musical presents tonight. On Piano, a gentleman who has been in the game for quite a while with some great disc to his name, Mr. Marc Cary! On Bass, providing the rhythm, the bottom the groove, Mr. Darryl Hall! On Drums, keeping the time when there is no time, the tenacious “Tank” Mr. Terreon Gully! And on the fire breathing Alto, laying down burn and coolin’ us out with his lovely sound, Mr. Kasey Benjamin!
Don’t forget, I am still a Master of Ceremonies at heart, and these cats need an introduction like LT would lay out for our world champs!
Stefon and Blackout roll out like a brand new Porshe, on PCH, with the top down, sun shining, lovely lady in shotgun and a pocket full of money! The concept is cool ass mysticism, rhythmic loveliness, synthesized brilliance with tenacious time in uncharted territory! Every generation has its master for the new school of future jazz players, listeners and followers. Stefon’s shoes have been making those footprints for quite some time and the music just keeps transforming.
There is no trumpet in the band but, for some reason, I have the vision of Miles, in the yellow Ferrari, with the flyest clothes on, cruising around NYC. Synthesizers, Vibraphones and Saxophones laying down the thickest jazz rue. New concepts, new directions, new perspectives yet, all the while maintaining the essence of jazz music.
I spoke with a few of the players and they each expressed how much fun they have and how free it is to play with each other. On stage, these cats live deep inside their own music and have much love, respect and admiration for each others talents.
Stefon Harris and
Blackout are taking jazz music to the next level and bringing the next
generation with them. Their latest disc is on the Blue Note label
called “.
Get it, listen to it, and enjoy your life!
LD
