What makes A Few Miles from Memphis by Harold Mabern notable?

The album is significant for its seamless fusion of styles and has been praised for its innovative arrangements. Critics noted its influence on subsequent jazz musicians, particularly in how it showcased piano-led compositions within the post-bop genre. Released in 1968, A Few Miles from Memphis was Harold Mabern's first album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a sought-after sideman. At this point in his career, he had played with notable artists like Lee Morgan and Cannonball Adderley, showcasing his deep-rooted connection to the jazz scene.

How many songs are on A Few Miles from Memphis?

A Few Miles from Memphis has 7 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

A Few Miles from Memphis

Harold Mabern · 1968

40 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of post-bop jazz, blending intricate piano lines with soulful rhythms and vibrant improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Few Miles From Memphis — The title track sets the tone for the album with its compelling melody and complex rhythms, highlighting Mabern's virtuosic piano skills.
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There's a Kind of Hush — This cover transforms the familiar pop tune into a jazz standard, showcasing Mabern's ability to reinterpret melodies with intricate improvisational flair.
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B & B — This track stands out for its dynamic interplay between the ensemble members, featuring engaging solos that exemplify the collaborative spirit of jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate compositions with vibrant improvisation, showcasing Mabern's skill as a bandleader.

What we noticed

The album features intricate piano lines that often lead the melodies, supported by a tight rhythm section that complements the improvisational elements.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the piano and other instruments, creating a conversational feel throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 A Few Miles From Memphis 5:30
2 Walkin' Back 5:52
3 A Treat for Bea 6:08
4 Syden Blue 4:00
5 There's a Kind of Hush 5:35
6 B & B 7:27
7 To Wane 6:24

What to play next

Listen next

Rakin' and Scrapin'

1969

Go back to

Pisces Calling

Full Harold Mabern discography Artists like Harold Mabern

post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata