Afro Blue | Harold Mabern | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Harold Mabern and Kurt Elling perform jazz music, discussing the importance of the blues and the global influences on the genre.

Transcript

[APPLAUSE] HAROLD MABERN: Thank you. This is going to be a short enjoy, you guys, because we have to be through at 25 after, so we have to short [INAUDIBLE]. This first composition is a dedication to the late great John William Coltrane. We affectionately call him the Chief. This is the Chief. [JAZZ MUSIC] [APPLAUSE] HAROLD MABERN: Thank you. Thank... Read More

Key Insights

• 😑 The blues form the foundation of jazz music and are essential for improvisation and personal expression.
• 🎼 Jazz musicians are intelligent and constantly learning, using their knowledge to create unique and innovative music.
• 🥋 Jazz is a global art form, with musicians from different countries bringing their own influences and styles to the music.
• 🎼 Collaboration and the exchange of ideas are fundamental to the evolution and growth of jazz music.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Harold Mabern get into jazz music?

Mabern started playing the piano at the age of 15 and was inspired by the blues and the jazz musicians he grew up with in Memphis.

Q: What role does the blues play in jazz music?

According to Mabern, the blues is the foundation of jazz and understanding it is crucial for jazz musicians. It allows for improvisation and personal expression in the music.

Q: How did Kurt Elling and Harold Mabern meet?

Elling and Mabern met when Elling transferred to William Paterson University, where Mabern taught. Since then, they have collaborated on numerous albums and performances.

Q: How did Kurt Elling's new album "Passion World" come together?

Elling's album features collaborations with international musicians from countries like Germany and Cuba. The album aims to showcase the global appeal and diverse influences of jazz music.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Harold Mabern, accompanied by Kurt Elling, plays a collection of jazz compositions dedicated to influential musicians such as John Coltrane and Art Blakey.

• Mabern shares his experiences growing up in Memphis and how he discovered his passion for music.

• Elling discusses his new album "Passion World" and the global appeal and influence of jazz music.