• Submitted by: admin
• Music
• United States
• 05 / 23 / 2010

---

With four Grammy's nominations and considered one the most talented American Musicians of his generation, Stefon Harris came to Cuba - thanks to Concords Record, the label which they all work with - along with two other excellent musicians (David Sanchez and Christian scout) on the idea of spend some time with a few young jazz Cuban interpreters.

Sited outside the 18 EGREM studio and drinking a cold glass of water, he confessed me that he believe in the music as means to give people some quietness and helpthem to concentrate on what they have in common, not precisely on they differences. Quick and straight, just like him, this interview talks a little about the great opportunity that this concert means

The first I want to know is how this opportunity of being in Cuba comes to you?

This was an idea of John Burst, who is the president of concord records, he wanted to come down and bring several musicians from the label down together to work with musicians here in Cuba, there is a long tradition of great musicians in Cuba that we know in the United States and we've play together and the music in Cuba is very influenced of American jazz, so there is great connection.. So for us to be here it's a great opportunity

Now that you've spend some time in rehearsal with what we call "young jazz spirit".

What can you, from the quality point of view, tell me about that?

They are very very good musicians. and the first difference I notice right away it's the feeling in the music. sometimes some musician play and they play well and the notes are correct but it lacks the spirit. and these guys from the first time we played together they had a beautiful spirit that was coming trough out of the music. real strong, very passionate and very real. and you notice that, and it makes that you really enjoy playing with them. and also the rhythm its very strong.

I've read that most of your work it's inspired after a time you spend in some place.

So, can we expect a work inspired upon this visit to Cuba?

Of course, I mean music it's a reflection of your life. You have an experience that is new, that its inspiring and you sit down to create and its inevitable that it comes out and you're playing and then you're writing . so I am absolutely sure that it will be more of the Cuban influence.

If I say that the cultural interchange between Cuba and United States should be wider, would you agree with me?

Oh absolutely!!.. and the thing its that music its so universal.. When I played with Harold and with Rember the thing is spirit of creativity it is exactly the same.. the feelings that are coming out. We are already brothers because of the music.. we are ot foreigners any more.. I mean we don't have to know each other. We give together, we listen together and we connect. One the most incredible thing about music its that teaches you to focus on the things that you have in common not about your differences... its all about what u have in common.

Is there any message you want to share with the readers of this website?

It's incredible to see that the spirit of the music lives in all types of environments. The music it's much more important then ours ideas. The music it's the bridge. we need to build the social bridge now. and we are doing it. The proof: we are here.

By. Lester Sibila  

Source: Cubasi.com