Harold Mabern was nearing his 57th birthday around the time of the two 1993 studio sessions that provided the music for this Japanese release; he's clearly in a mood to celebrate, as the CD begins with a driving hard bop original, "Look on the Bright Side," powered by his aggressive risk-taking playing and fueled by a lower key solo by young bassist Christian McBride and a series of powerful drum breaks by seasoned veteran Jack DeJohnette.

Although Mabern's arrangement of John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice" is enjoyable, it is because the rhythm simulates a jaunty stroll while the leader unleashes some pyrotechnics.

Likewise, Charlie Parker's "Au Privave" is never rushed, but executed with finesse.

The musicians have fun disguising the introduction to "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," a piece that can turn saccharine in the wrong hands, but their lively interplay in a brisk setting makes it work.

"It's a Lonesome Old Town," a piece long forgotten by most players, has a thunderous introduction, but Mabern reverts to its melancholy nature in the subdued body of the piece, though he can't resist tossing in a little of his lightening runs and heavy tremolos.

He also plays two originals, including his gospel-flavored "Too Late Fall Back Baby" and the strutting "Big Time Cooper," named for a diminutive (five-foot four-inches) pianist Mabern admired years earlier in Chicago.

Highly recommended for hard bop fans.