Authenticity is a special word for vibraphone wizard Stefon Harris when it comes to his art, which springs from the tradition of jazz music, but is approached through a modern lens that takes into account the sounds and perspective of 2009.
He has enough audacity--also a special word for Harris--to say it clearly, to elucidate what he is going for in his music. And he has enough audacity on the bandstand to go for it.
Harris recently released Urbanus, the second disc with his urban-meets-jazz group Blackout, and his first for Concord Records. AAJ Contributor R.J. DeLuke spoke with Harris at length, about Blackout and Urbanus, about his early days, and how he's benefited from a combination of formal education and the kind of mentoring that's so important in keeping jazz alive and authentic.
Check out Stefon Harris: Authenticity and Audacity at AAJ today!
For more information contact All About Jazz.
