What makes The Leading Man by Harold Mabern notable?

The Leading Man received critical acclaim for its sophisticated arrangements and standout performances, especially from Mabern’s piano work. It played a significant role in re-establishing Mabern's presence in the jazz community, leading to greater recognition and appreciation of his contributions to the genre. Released in 1993, The Leading Man marked Harold Mabern's return to the recording scene after a period of relative quiet. This album came during a time when Mabern was solidifying his legacy as a prominent jazz pianist, showcasing his skills alongside notable musicians like saxophonist Eric Alexander.

How many songs are on The Leading Man?

The Leading Man has 10 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

The Leading Man

Harold Mabern · 1993

61 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of post-bop jazz, combining intricate piano melodies with expressive improvisation and rich rhythmic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Full House — This track features an energetic interplay between the instruments and showcases Mabern's virtuosic piano style, making it a highlight of the album.
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Alone Together — Here, the emotional depth of the composition is enhanced by nuanced solos, illustrating Mabern's ability to blend lyricism with technical prowess.
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It's a Lonesome Old Town — Mabern's interpretation brings a heartfelt resonance to this classic tune, highlighting his unique approach to familiar material.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, though it remains somewhat niche within the jazz genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'Look on the Bright Side', establishing an energetic mood that persists through the first half.
Mabern's piano frequently engages in call-and-response with the other instruments, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the tracks.
Several tracks feature extended improvisational sections, allowing for exploration of themes rather than strict adherence to written melodies.

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: 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 Look on the Bright Side 5:35
2 Save the Best for Last 4:40
3 Full House 6:48
4 Alone Together 7:37
5 It's a Lonesome Old Town 9:21
6 Yes and No 5:24
7 Moment's Notice 5:23
8 Au Privave 6:10
9 B & B 6:18
10 Mercury Retro 4:17

What to play next

Listen next

For Phineas

1995

Go back to

Lookin' on the Bright Side

1993

Full Harold Mabern discography Artists like Harold Mabern

post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata