Pianist Harold Mabern has made a career out of being a reliable sideman for guys ranging from James Moody, George Coleman and as of late Eric Anderson. Here, he finally gets his due, as he forms a trio with John Webber/b and Joe Farnsworth, but more importantly, he then rotates around with a collection of vocalists (and horn players) for a Whitman Sampler of how jazz singers should and could sound.
Instrumentals bookend the voices, with Jeremy Pelt/tp and Eric Alexander/ts delivering a snappy little âThe Chief,â Peter Bernstein/g cooking on a hip reading of Steely Danâs âDo It Againâ and Mabernâs trio closing up things with a tasty âBobby, Benny, Jyme, Lee, Buâ as a tribute to Art Blakey. Sandwiched inside from the male side is Gregory Porter bringing out a rich as molasses take of âAfro Blueâ and a glowing âThe Man From Hyde Parkâ and Kurt Elling joyfully bopping along on âBillieâs Bounceâ and going bel canto on âPortrait of Jennie.â For the ladies, Norah Jones comes in with a sextet which includes the addition of Steve Turre/tb on a lithe âFools Rush Inâ and then she sits on the piano bench with Mabern and gets cozy on the duet âDonât Misunderstand.â Jane Monheit dramatizes âIâll Take Romanceâ and âMy One and Only Loveâ while Alexis Cole is sensitive n âSuch Is Life.â Throughout the whole session, Mabern displays grace, taste, style and swing. What more do you want from this guy?
Smoke Sessions Records