Harold Mabern discusses jazz in Memphis

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Harold Mabern on hearing himself retrospectively

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Harold Mabern talks about practicing

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Q: “What’s it like to hear yourself twenty two years later?”

A: “Oh, sometimes, it's good. You say, well, that wasn't bad for a 22 years old. But more often than not, it makes you flinch and you want to say, "Please take it off." You know, even now, there are times when I say, "Oh, please, don't play." But that's the thing that keeps a true professional, you know, to thine self be true. It keeps you honest because you know when you're not doing what you're capable of and it makes you say, "Well, back to the drawing board, you know, tomorrow."