Afro Blue

Harold Mabern's second release on Smoke Sessions Records, Afro Blue, is a very special recording featuring guest vocalists Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Jane Monheit, Kurt Elling, and Alexis Cole. The chemistry of these artists with Harold-the sound of his piano voicings combined with their voices-is extraordinary. Well-known in jazz circles as a consummate accompanist for instrumental soloists, The Mabe also has a special gift for sensitive and supportive playing behind singers. It's something he takes pride in and has been doing since he first hit the stage at Birdland half a century ago with Betty Carter. "I love vocalists. I love to play for singers because that's really how you learn how to play the piano jazz-wise. They go through every aspect of music- changing keys, slow tempos to fast, playing rubato, playing verses, all of the Great American Songbook-that's really how you learn how to play, " says Mabern. There is a lot of music and there are a lot of memorable performances on Afro Blue but Mabern's soulful, blues-driven style is the constant highlight. He is joined by a stellar supporting cast-Jeremy Pelt, Eric Alexander and Steve Turre form a killer horn section while John Webber and Joe Farnsworth complete his reliable rhythm team. Guitarist Peter Bernstein also makes a special appearance on Steely Dan's "Do It Again." Mabern adds, I'll tell you, it was really the most difficult thing I've ever done. It was definitely a challenge, but I think we pulled it off.