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Stefon Harris: African Tarantella: Dances with Duke

By Jim Santella
September 26, 2006
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Stefon Harris: African Tarantella: Dances with Duke

With three selections from Duke Ellington's "New Orleans Suite, two from his "Queen's Suite and three more from Stefan Harris' own "Gardner Meditations, African Tarantella conveys a sincere appreciation for lyrical beauty. Like the original purpose for a tarantella, the music transfixes you with its magic spell. Much of Ellington's music had that quality, and it's not surprising that Harris would dedicate his latest album to such a well-known body of work.

With a nonet that rides high on both various orchestral timbres and jazz combo reflections, Harris delivers a lovely chamber jazz concert that thrills with a peaceful ambience. By its very nature, the vibraphone lends harmonic textures that overlap with forward motion. The room swings and sways calmly as Harris' ensemble provides a soothing landscape made up of segments both familiar and new.

Ellington's "Sunset and the Mockingbird is reinterpreted by the ensemble with a traditional feel. Walking bass, shimmering cymbal and swinging stick action accompany the piano and vibraphone in a crisp aria that dances over and around the mockingbird's call. Here, Harris is at his best.

Ellington's "Bourbon Street Jingling Jollies finds the ensemble in a mellow mood behind Harris' vibraphone, interpreting the piece with a unique character. Flute and vibraphone ride atop the ensemble's placid scene with a subdued presence. Harris' "Dancing Enigma brings a powerful emotional statement to the program with more emotional force than the rest. Here, Harris fulfills the promise issued by the ancient tarantella, as propulsive rhythms shape the suite's lovely lyrical scenery into a full-blown bouquet of vivid blossoms.

Track Listing

Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta; Portrait of Wellman Braid; Bourbon Street Jingling Jollies; Sunset and the Mockingbird; The Single Petal of a Rose; Memoirs of a Frozen Summer; African Tarantella; Dancing Enigma.

Personnel

Stefon Harris

vibraphone

Stefon Harris: vibraphone, marimba; Xavier Davis: piano; Derrick Hodge: bass; Terreon Gully: drums; Anne Drummond: flute; Greg Tardy: clarinet; Steve Turre: trombone; Jonah Chung: viola; Louise Dublin: cello.

Album information

Title: African Tarantella: Dances With Duke | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Blue Note Records

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