Black Action Figure
As a promising member of Generation X jazz musicians, vibraphonist Stefon Harris has accorded himself well with a variety of stars, includingWynton Marsalis,Steve Turre, andCassandra Wilson. On his second CD, Harris is augmented by Turre on trombone,Jason Moranon piano, Gary Thomas on tenor sax and flute, Eric Harland on drums, and alto saxophonistGreg Osby. Stylistically, Harris is straight out of theBobby Hutchersonschool, especially on the uptempo numbers "Feline Blues" and "The Alchemist," which show off his penchant for blazingColtrane-like runs. Harris's renditions of the standards "There Is No Greater Love" and "You Stepped Out of a Dream"--a solo performance--are marvelous melodic reconstructions, and "My Little Black Action Figure" and "Of Things to Come" swing in progressive, late-'60s and '90s grooves. "Faded Beauty" flirts with a moody, ebony-hued ambiance that suits Harris's beautiful mallet touch well and offers us a preview of what we can expect from emerging talent.--Eugene Holley Jr.