Harold Mabern
Piano
September 17, 2019 (Age 83) died
March 20, 1936 Birthday
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Birthplace
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About
Harold Mabern was a hard bop jazz pianist, composer and educator. Coming out of the Memphis jazz scene, he arrived in New York in 1959 and quickly gained attention for his robust playing and technical skill. He worked with a long list of jazz legends including Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Betty Carter, J.J Johnson, Sonny Rollins, and Wes Montgomery. In addition to his work as a sideman, Mabern also recorded over two dozen albums as leader. A dedicated educator and mentor, he spent over 40 years at William Patterson College and went on to record frequently with his former student, saxophonist Eric Alexander. Mabern continued to perform and record up until his death from a heart attack in 2019 at the age of 83.
Trivia
Harold Mabern worked with the Piano Choir in the 1970s, a group that included 6 different pianists/keyboardists. As an instructor at William Patterson College, Harold Mabern was a large man; he was over 6 feet tall and Cannonball Adderly once referred to him as "Big Hands." Harold Mabern stated his preferred piano was the Steinway D.
Early Life
Harold Mabern was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1936. He briefly played the drums before switching to the piano during his teens. Mabern was largely self-taught, and learned by watching other pianists, particularly Phineas Newborn Jr. As a Manassas High School student he began playing in local clubs with fellow classmate saxophonist George Coleman. Following graduation Mabern moved to Chicago to study at the American Conservatory of Music. He spent time playing in Chicago clubs before moving to New York City in 1959.
Harold Mabern Solos
2014
Piano solo - The Chief - 2014
4/4 swing in D minor at 239 BPM
Piano solo - Afro Blue - 2014
4/4 latin in D minor at 279 BPM
Piano solo - The Man from Hyde Park - 2014
4/4 swing in C major at 145 BPM
Piano solo - Fools Rush In - 2014
4/4 latin in F major at 100 BPM
Piano solo - Don't Misunderstand - 2014
4/4 ballad in A♭ major at 74 BPM
Piano solo - I'll Take Romance - 2014
3/4 waltz in C major at 170 BPM
Piano solo - My One And Only Love - 2014
4/4 ballad in B♭ major at 65 BPM
Piano solo - Billie's Bounce - 2014
4/4 swing in F major at 179 BPM
Piano solo - Portrait of Jennie - 2014
4/4 ballad in D major at 66 BPM
Piano solo - Such Is Life - 2014
4/4 latin in F major at 72 BPM
Piano solo - Do It Again - 2014
4/4 funk in G minor at 151 BPM
Piano solo - Mozzin' - 2014
3/4 waltz in F minor at 235 BPM
Piano solo - Bobby, Benny, Jymie, Lee, Bu - 2014
4/4 swing in F major at 151 BPM