5.0 out of 5 stars
in the name of James W. yet another overlooked wonder!, November 23, 2011
This review is from: Mabern's Grooveyard (Audio CD)
The "James" mentioned in the title is for James Williams who was one
of the producers of this album. What James and Harold seem to share
in common is obscurity. In the case of Williams, one might suggest
this is so for his having passed on, yet there are others we listen
to daily who have been gone decades. Williams, most assuredly should
have his own reviews. I say a word here mostly as he, along with
Phineas Newborn Jr. had a poignant influence on Mabern's playing style.
There is a wonderful review of the album "Don't Know Why" by Mabern on
the page that features that album. There is nothing I could say better
than that reviewer about the music itself. "Mabern's Grooveyard" was
released by DIW, Japan in 1997. I listen to this, or any number of
Mabern albums recorded by Japanese labels, and wonder if it is really
true that more people know the bass player on this, Christian McBride
better than they know the name Harold Mabern. (Tony Reedus plays drums).
I dare say that may be the case, and with all due respect to Mr. McBride,
unjustly so. For those who consider themselves averse to 'bop' or 'post-bop',
please know this writer is also a great fan of pianists Billy Taylor, Bill
Evans and Bill Charlap. Yet, we all need variety. I would tend to emphasize
the 'groove' as is implicit in the title of this album. The playlist in
order: Grooveyard, Ladybird, Jeanine, A Hundred Years From Today, Minority,
After Hours, East Of The Sun, AON, Bubbles, Bangles & Beads. My favorite
disc of those Mabern recorded for Venus is "Don't Know Why", however, there
is not a single album among Mabern's recorded works that I would not recommend.
He really needs to be heard!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
