Stefon Harris and Blackout Released Legacy Dances
The vibraphonist and his band marked 20 years together with a new project honoring late saxophonist Casey Benjamin.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Jazz
Live Poll
Would you continue a professional project after losing a long-term partner, or move on?
Vibraphonist Stefon Harris and his band Blackout have released their latest album, Legacy Dances. The project celebrates the 20-year history of the ensemble and serves as a tribute to saxophonist Casey Benjamin, who died in 2024.
Why it matters
The release honors the group's musical history and the significant contributions of Benjamin to the band. Harris also utilized the project to pay tribute to the jazz heritage of his home base in Newark, New Jersey.
The band Blackout currently holds the #1 ranking on Jazz Radio. The album commemorates 20 years of the ensemble performing together.
The players
Stefon Harris
He is a four-time Grammy-nominated vibraphonist and educator who teaches at Rutgers University.
Blackout
This is a jazz band that has been performing together for two decades.
Casey Benjamin
He was a saxophonist and member of the band Blackout.
Willie the Lion Smith
He was an influential jazz pianist whose work inspired the new album.
The details
Stefon Harris incorporated a left hand ostinato from Willie the Lion Smith’s composition Echoes of Spring to create the new track Echoes of the Lion. The band is supporting the release with performances at the Blue Note in New York and Jazz Alley in Seattle this fall.
Timeline
Saxophonist Casey Benjamin died in 2024.
Stefon Harris and Blackout are touring in the fall of 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The release reflects a broader trend of veteran jazz artists blending historical tribute with technological innovation. This project builds upon Harris's decade-long development of the Harmony Cloud algorithm, demonstrating how performance and pedagogy continue to intersect in the modern jazz landscape.
Fans can hear new music from the group during their fall tour dates at venues including the Blue Note and Jazz Alley. Attendees should check local ticket availability for these performances directly through venue box offices.
The takeaway
Legacy Dances highlights how jazz ensembles maintain cohesion and relevance over two decades by integrating personal history with musical homage. Listeners can explore Harris's pedagogical work by researching his Harmony Cloud software as an example of an artist leveraging technology to expand jazz education.
Further reading
For more on the latest releases, visit the Jazz section.
More information
Find updates on the band and upcoming tour dates on the Stefon Harris official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Out.
Live Poll
Would you continue a professional project after losing a long-term partner, or move on?
