What makes Live at Smalls by Harold Mabern notable?

Live at Smalls received acclaim for its authentic capture of the improvisational spirit of jazz, appealing to both critics and audiences alike. The album contributed to a renewed focus on live recordings in the jazz genre, demonstrating how dynamic performances can resonate with listeners beyond the studio environment. By the release of Live at Smalls in 2013, Harold Mabern was an established figure in the jazz world, with a career spanning over five decades. This album marked a return to the live setting after years of studio recordings, emphasizing his prowess as both a pianist and bandleader amidst a revival of interest in traditional jazz venues.

How many songs are on Live at Smalls?

Live at Smalls has 7 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Live at Smalls

Harold Mabern · 2013

63 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Ebullient post-bop grooves intertwine with intricate improvisations, showcasing the vibrant energy of a live jazz performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Short Rack — This opening track sets the tone with a spirited exchange between the musicians, showcasing Mabern's melodic inventiveness and rhythmic drive.
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Chelsea Bridge — Mabern's rendition of this classic composition highlights his ability to blend lyrical sensitivity with vibrant improvisation, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Song for Mom — This piece showcases a heartfelt tribute through its rich harmonic structure and emotional depth, reflecting Mabern's personal connection to his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album captures vibrant live improvisation, showcasing strong musicianship and engaging compositions.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in real-time.
The interplay between the piano and saxophone is prominent, with call-and-response patterns creating a dynamic conversation throughout the performance.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 Short Rack 11:20
2 A Little Extra 7:04
3 What's Your Beat? 9:39
4 Song for Mom 6:40
5 Chelsea Bridge 10:43
6 Alert 7:44
7 Steeplechase 10:19

What to play next

Listen next

Right on Time

2014

Go back to

Mr. Lucky - A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.

2012

Full Harold Mabern discography Artists like Harold Mabern

post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata