Kindred (Blue Note Records)

Stefon Harris & Jacky Terrasson

Released September 11, 2001

Grammy Nominee Best Jazz Instrumental Album 2002

YouTube:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n_34KfWj1bKGikqDjDNW6oo85Qg7_a3BA

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6aQFyxKasGg4gL31rx8rbu?si=MtODWvEqQKek0AiVmnR8gw

About:

Two of the most significant young musicians in jazz today, the vibes man and pianist combine to create a truly transcendent experience.

Track Listing:

1. My Foolish Heart (Ned Washington / Victor Young) 3:19

2. Tank’s Tune (C. “DJ Smooth” Henderson) 5:54

3. Summertime (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward) 7:09

4. Déjà (Buster Williams) 5:09

5. What Is This Thing Called Love? (Cole Porter) 2:49

6. Titi Boom 4:45

7. John’s Abbey (Bud Powell) 4:07

8. Never Let Me Go (R. Evans) 6:24

9. Rat Entrance 1:27

10. Rat Race (Jacky Terrasson) 4:25

11. Shané (Stefon Harris) 6:03

12. Little Niles (Jon Hendricks / R.P. Weston / Randy Weston) 4:59

13. Body and Soul (Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour) 6:08

Personnel:

Jacky Terrasson: piano

Stefon Harris: vibraphone, marimba

Tarus Mateen: bass (1-4, 6-8, 10)

Idris Muhammad: drums (1, 8)

Terreon Gully: drums (2-4, 6, 7, 10)

Recorded January 10 – 11, 2001, at Avatar Studios, New York, NY

Produced by Stefon Harris and Jacky Terrasson

Review:

Collaboration means working together toward the same goal. Stefon Harris & Jacky Terrasson have a lot in common, and their collaboration seems quite natural. Vibraphone, piano, bass and drums leave a pleasant combination of timbres that is at once familiar and fresh. Responding to each other, the duo creates a fourhanded affair. Their partnership is particularly gracious on the two pieces in which bass and drums lay out. As if the two artists share one instrument, they create lyrical phrases simultaneously. Both employ dynamic shadings that raise and lower the volume as musical punctuation. Ballads and up-tempo romps drive the session. Each contributes an original to the program. Whether interpreting standards or presenting their own compositions, Harris and Terrasson weave impressive concepts seamlessly. The pianist’s percussive tang builds phrases systematically, while the vibraphonist’s rounded strokes serve to color with impressionism. Their collaboration on “Body and Soul” leaves no doubts about the forward-leaning approach each has chosen to follow. The familiar chestnut has never sounded so fresh. “Never Let Me Go,” on the other hand, follows tradition. Cascades from vibes and piano embellish its beautiful melody without venturing too far from the norm. Throughout their recommended collaboration, Harris and Terrasson honor the tradition of jazz without recycling it. Their creative spirit brings a promise of growth in the new year.

Jim Santella (All About Jazz)