Evolution

• Artist: Stefon Harris & Blackout
• Rating:
• Release Date: April 20, 2004
• Genre: Jazz

Review

Stefon Harris & Blackout have created a powerful blend of jazz and R&B with a hip-hop percussion accent on their well-titled CD Evolution. With Harris doubling on vibes and marimba, keyboardist Marc Cary, alto saxophonist Casey Benjamin, and bassist Darryl Hall, plus the driving percussion of Terreon Gully, the quintet's energy is immediately apparent. Their surprising opener is an in-your-face interpretation of the late Don Grolnick's post-bop "Nothing Personal," which departs so drastically from the composer's conception that it sounds like a brand new work. Hall penned the exotic "For Him, for Her," which features Harris on marimba and Anne Drummond's floating flute. Those who have ignored rocker Sting's work may be shocked when they hear Harris' lyrical interpretation of the ballad "Until," which adds Xavier Davis on piano. George Gershwin's "Summertime" gets an overdue makeover with the addition of a hip-hop rhythm, yet retains its magic with Benjamin's warm solo and Harris' imaginative vibes. The many sudden twists within Harris' infectious "Blackout" and the chant "King Tut's Strut" (written by Hotep Idris Galeta, and adding percussionist and vocalist Pedro Martinez) also merit attention. Stefon Harris & Blackout will likely have a huge hit on their hands with this groundbreaking release. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Nothing Personal	Don Grolnick	Stefon Harris	(5:54)
For Him, for Her	Darryl Hall	Stefon Harris	(6:20)
Until		Stefon Harris	(6:21)
Red-Bone Netti-Bone	Stefon Harris	Stefon Harris	(7:47)
A Touch of Grace	Stefon Harris	Stefon Harris	(5:48)
Summertime	George Gershwin, DuBose Heyward	Stefon Harris	(7:17)
Blackout	Stefon Harris	Stefon Harris	(7:28)
The Lost Ones	Stefon Harris	Stefon Harris	(6:07)
King Tut's Strut	Hotep Idris Galeta	Stefon Harris	(6:36)
Message to Mankind	Xavier Davis	Stefon Harris	(5:15)
Montara	Bobby Hutcherson	Stefon Harris	(2:19)

Credits

Darryl Hall (Group Member), Perry Greenfield (Product Manager), Marc Cary (Group Member), Burton Yount (Design), Nitin Vadukul (Photography), Gordon Jee (Creative Director), Burton Yount (Art Direction), Marc Cary (Keyboards), Casey Benjamin (Group Member), Xavier Davis (Piano), Joe Ferla (Mixing), Stefon Harris (Marimba), Stefon Harris (Vibraphone), Steve Fallone (Mastering), Joe Ferla (Engineer), Anne Drummond (Flute), Terreon Gully (Drums), Terreon Gully (Group Member), Xavier Davis (Fender Rhodes), Chris Cofoni (A&R), Darryl Hall (Bass (Acoustic)), Anne Drummond (Flute (Alto)), Pedro Martinez (Vocals), Eli Wolf (A&R), Stefon Harris (Producer), Marc Cary (Fender Rhodes), Stefon Harris (Group Member), Pedro Martinez (Percussion), Casey Benjamin (Sax (Alto)), Nitin Vadukul (Concept)

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