Vibraphonist Stefon Harris is only 25 years old and an enormous talent. His debut A Cloud of Red Dust promises a lot for the future. He can be placed in the tradition of Red Norvo, Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson. He has worked with great jazz musicians such as Steve Turre, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Henderson and Cassandra Wilson. Harris's melodies are fresh, in his approach there is
… a lot of variety in rhythm and the harmonies are well composed. Harris has a classical education, which also allows him to be influenced in his compositions; of the classical composers, Stravinsky was particularly influential on him. The only non-original composition on this CD is the closing For You Mom & Dad, a composition by Harris's most admired vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. Contributors to this surprisingly beautiful CD included Steve Turre (trombone / shells), Dwayne Burno (bass), Mulgrew Miller / Jason Moran (piano), Kimati Dinizulu (percussion) and Greg Osby (alto sax). (JW) _more
