Piece Description

"There are many stories in organized sound this one begins with a dream." This line, the lede in a poem composed by vibraphonist, marimba player, composer and storyteller Stefon Harris Audiences in Kalamazoo have become familiar with the five-time Grammy Award-nominated musician. Now in the second year of a three year residency, Harris, 34, was in Kalamazoo recently to teach young children about jazz, to teach budding professional musicians about life, and to perform his jazz suite "Portraits of the Promised". "If you don't want us to throw down then come on," Harris said addressing an audience in Kalamazoo's Chenery Auditorium. "This is jazz music; we feed off the energy that you give us." The young musician seems mature years beyond his age. The depth of his compositions are captivating. With mallets in hand you get the impression that Harris can see a Monet on the blank canvas. Earlier in the day before his performance, Harris sat down with me to talk about his latest album "African Tarantella...Dances with Duke".