Black Action Figure

Black Action Figure

As a promising member of Generation X jazz musicians, vibraphonist Stefon Harris has accorded himself well with a variety of stars, including Wynton Marsalis, Steve Turre, and Cassandra Wilson. On his second CD, Harris is augmented by Turre on trombone, Jason Moran on piano, Gary Thomas on tenor sax and flute, Eric Harland on drums, and alto saxophonist Greg Osby. Stylistically, Harris is straight out of the Bobby Hutcherson school, especially on the uptempo numbers "Feline Blues" and "The Alchemist," which show off his penchant for blazing Coltrane-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. <i>--Eugene Holley Jr.</i>