Harold Mabern AFRO BLUE Recording Session
Harold MabernDuration: 5:50
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In celebration of what would have been Harold Mabern’s 90th birthday, Smoke Sessions Records presents the 2026 release of Afro Blue – 10th Anniversary Edition, newly remixed, remastered, and available for the first time in immersive spatial audio. A milestone in Mabern’s catalog, Afro Blue showcases his extraordinary rapport with an exceptional lineup of guest vocalists—Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Jane Monheit, Kurt Elling, and Alexis Cole. Their performances illuminate Mabern’s intuitive, blues-rooted touch and his lifelong devotion to playing for singers, a craft he began honing with Betty Carter at Birdland more than half a century ago. The album also features a powerhouse ensemble including Jeremy Pelt, Eric Alexander, and Steve Turre, with John Webber and Joe Farnsworth providing their signature rhythmic foundation as well as guitarist Peter Bernstein.
Posted by Michael Ricci.
