It’s homecoming at Rhodes College for a couple of old friends: Jazz greats George Coleman and Harold Mabern will perform as the George Coleman Quartet on November 23rd in the McCallum Ballroom at Rhodes.
Coleman’s resume is profound. He played for B.B. King in the early ’50s and on several of Miles Davis’ essential hard-bop recordings from 1963 to 1964, including “My Funny Valentine” and “Seven Steps to Heaven.” He also played for Lionel Hampton, Herbie Hancock, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, Jimmy Smith, and Chet Baker. Coleman has made several albums as a leader.
Mabern is the protégé of 2013 Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee Phineas Newborn Jr. He was also a Miles Davis sideman and worked with Morgan, Sarah Vaughan, and Wes Montgomery in the ’60s. The self-taught Mabern stayed vital in the ’70s, working with George Benson and Stanley Turrentine.
Coleman and Mabern made three albums together with Mabern leading: A Few Miles From Memphis, Rakin’ and Scrapin’, and Workin’ and Wailin’. They are out of print except for a compilation that includes Wailin’ and Greasy Kid Stuff!, Mabern’s follow-up sans Coleman.
The Mike Curb Institute for Music at Rhodes hosts the quartet as part of its concert series. Other acts have included Dan Penn with Spooner Oldham and Mose Allison. For more information, go to rhodes.edu/curb. — Joe Boone
The George Coleman Quartet with Harold Mabern, Saturday, November 23rd, 7:30 p.m. in the McCallum Ballroom of the Bryan Campus Life Center.