ProJazz.net

A Few Miles from Memphis is the first album with pianist Harold Mabern as leader. The album is a confident and soulful debut that captures the pianist at a fully formed artistic peak. Recorded in 1968 for Prestige, the album blends hard bop energy with deep blues and gospel influences, reflecting Mabern’s Memphis roots.
The record stands out for its “bluesy, rhythm-filled” feel and strong sense of groove, driven by a tight ensemble featuring tenor saxophonists George Coleman and Buddy Terry. Mabern’s compositions dominate the program, balancing simple, soulful themes with more harmonically rich arrangements, giving the music both accessibility and depth.
Highlights include the title track, which channels a laid-back, funky blues vibe, and “A Treat for Bea,” a lyrical, bossa-tinged piece that reveals Mabern’s melodic sensitivity. At the same time, his arrangement of the pop tune “There’s a Kind of Hush” shows his ability to reshape lighter material into something musically compelling.
Overall, A Few Miles from Memphis is an engaging mix of groove, swing, and expressive piano work. It may not be radically experimental, but its warmth, craftsmanship, and strong performances make it a standout example of late-1960s soul-jazz and hard bop.

Track listing:
All compositions by Harold Mabern except as noted

“A Few Miles From Memphis” – 5:30
“Walkin’ Back” – 5:52
“A Treat For Bea” – 6:08
“Syden Blue” – 4:00
“There’s a Kind of Hush” (Geoff Stephens, Les Reed) – 5:35
“B & B” – 7:27
“To Wane” – 6:24

Personnel:
Harold Mabern – piano
George Coleman, Buddy Terry – tenor saxophone
Bill Lee – bass
Walter Perkins – drums

_________________

Released: 1968
Recorded: March 11, 1968
Studio: Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Length: 40:56
Label: Prestige
PR 7568
Producer Cal Lampley