JAZZ

Stefon Harris

Vibraphonist, 25

What he’s done: 1998 was a banner, breakout year for Harris. Playing the vibes, an instrument rarely praised for the versatility of its sound, he nonetheless quickly established himself as one of the most important young artists in jazz. In addition to working with such major artists as Wynton Marsalis and Joe Henderson, Harris won the Talent Deserving Wider Recognition prize in the vibraphone category of Down Beat magazine’s 1998 critics’ poll. His debut album, “Cloud of Red Dust” (Blue Note), was identified by Newsweek as “the debut jazz record of the year.”

Outlook for ‘99: Harris’ schedule--remarkably full for a young, classically trained artist who began to play jazz only a few years ago--includes performances with the Empire State Youth Orchestra; a tour with New Directions, a Blue Note all-star ensemble; and participation at numerous summer jazz festivals with his own ensemble. He goes into the studio early in the year to record his second album as a leader.

Danilo Perez

Pianist, composer, 33

What he’s done: Although the Panamanian-born Perez has been in this country for only a bit more than a decade, his piano playing, composing and band-leading have generated an impressive list of accomplishments. His unique blend of Latin rhythms and stirring, bebop-tinged improvisations are featured on four albums, the most recent the much-praised “Central Avenue”; in

1998, at the first annual New York Jazz Awards, he received the Best Artist or Band in Performance award; he has been active as a film composer (composing and performing the music for Robert Downey Sr.’s “Hugo Pool”); and his capacity to cross over into the classical world is reflected in a commission to compose a piece for Bologna’s Concorso Internationale di Composizione.

Outlook for ‘99: Perez goes into the studio for a new recording, and continues international touring with his trio (in mid-December he appeared at the Havana Jazz Festival at the invitation of legendary Cuban pianist Jesus “Chucho” Valdes). He also begins work on a commission from the president of Panama to create an original composition to be performed at ceremonies in 2000, when that nation assumes control of the Panama Canal.