The Jazzcat

Additional Photos

 

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 Kobe at the buzzer!

 

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