As we sat down with Stefon Harris and Christian Scott (sans David Sanchez) to discuss their Ninety Miles project, it was evident that they shared similar traits when it comes to music – a predisposition to creativity as well as a propensity for explosive creativity. Traveling to Cuba, they described the difficulties in communicating in a language not their own, yet as the record demonstrates, the music universally speaks for itself. While African polyrhythms are natural to Cuban music, Christian, Stefon, and David had a little bit to say about the influence throughout the record. Out of their own territory geographically, they showed why it is important to artistically tie in Cuba as a source of influence as the connections prove to be endless.
Check out the interview below as we discuss what it took to create the album, how it was bringing together three big names in jazz, and what they look forward to in the future. Moreover, check out the clips of their album release show at SOB’s to catch a glimpse of the charged performance.
Check out the full album with more info HERE
Words & Interview by Eric Sandler and Cesar Toribio
Nice site … this ensemble is absolutely supreme I love this album. Old school players and jazz lovers should like this project, these young lions are rippin’ it up!