Lawrence Marable Vinyl Records Lps For Sale

Check out these new and used Lawrence Marable vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Lawrence Marable vinyl collection with the essential albums One For Newk II, Introducing Carl Perkins and Funk & Esoteric. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from jazz musicians.

Lawrence Marable Vinyl Records Lps For Sale

Lawrence Marable: The Steady Pulse of West Coast Jazz

Lawrence Marable may not be a household name, but within the world of jazz, especially on the West Coast, he earned a reputation as a master drummer known for his subtle touch, impeccable timing, and sensitivity to the needs of the music. Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Marable became a central figure in the development of the cool jazz and hard bop scenes that flourished along the Pacific Coast in the 1950s and beyond. Though he never sought the spotlight, Marable’s drumming formed the rhythmic backbone of countless influential recordings and performances.

Growing up in the rich cultural atmosphere of Los Angeles, Marable was drawn to music at a young age. Initially a saxophonist, he eventually found his calling behind the drum kit, where his quiet precision and musicality stood out. By the early 1950s, he was performing regularly with some of the top names in jazz, including Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, and Hampton Hawes. His natural ability to support soloists without overwhelming them made him a favorite among bandleaders.

Marable’s style was rooted in the swing tradition, but he adapted quickly to the evolving language of bebop. He wasn’t known for flashy solos or explosive energy; rather, his strength was in his consistency, restraint, and sense of swing. His brushwork, in particular, was highly respected—he could coax a groove from the snare drum with just the lightest touch. These qualities made him a go-to drummer for many West Coast jazz recordings during the golden era of the 1950s and ’60s.

One of Marable’s most enduring associations was with alto saxophonist Art Pepper. He played on several of Pepper’s most memorable albums, where his sensitive drumming proved to be the perfect complement to Pepper’s emotionally charged playing. On the album Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section (1957), Marable joined a lineup that included Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. Although Philly Joe handled the drums on that particular session, Marable would go on to be a regular drummer in Pepper’s live bands and on other key recordings, where he had room to showcase his intuitive interplay and gentle propulsion.

Another highlight of Marable’s career came with his work alongside vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson and saxophonist Harold Land. The group, active during the 1960s and early 1970s, combined the East Coast’s hard bop edge with a relaxed West Coast lyricism. On albums like Total Eclipse and San Francisco, Marable’s playing is understated yet powerful, guiding the group through complex harmonic terrain without ever sounding stiff or mechanical. He helped create a sound that was modern and free-flowing, yet still deeply rooted in the blues and swing traditions.

Though primarily known as a sideman, Marable did step out as a bandleader on occasion. His 1989 album Tenorman, recorded late in his career, captures the relaxed yet energetic approach that defined his playing. The session is a showcase not just for his drumming but for his deep understanding of group dynamics and feel. It reveals a mature artist who values clarity and cohesion over virtuosity.

Throughout his career, Marable worked with an impressive list of jazz greats. He collaborated with Dexter Gordon, Zoot Sims, Ben Webster, Teddy Edwards, and many others. He was also a part of the fertile Los Angeles jazz education scene, often mentoring younger musicians who admired his quiet confidence and wealth of experience. Despite being less widely recorded than some of his peers, Marable’s contributions to dozens of key albums made him an essential figure in the history of jazz drumming.

Notable Albums Featuring Lawrence Marable

  • Art Pepper – Smack Up (1960)
    This hard-edged session shows Marable’s ability to swing aggressively without losing finesse. His drumming keeps the session tightly anchored while allowing Pepper’s fierce playing to shine.
  • Harold Land – The Peace-Maker (1968)
    On this soulful and inventive record, Marable plays with great sensitivity, enhancing the album’s reflective mood without becoming overly restrained.
  • Bobby Hutcherson – Total Eclipse (1968)
    A landmark post-bop session, this album features complex compositions and extended improvisation. Marable’s support is subtle but essential in maintaining flow and rhythm through shifting time signatures.
  • Lawrence Marable – Tenorman (1989)
    As a rare outing as a leader, this record offers a glimpse into Marable’s musical philosophy. His playing is relaxed and unhurried, focusing on mood and ensemble interplay rather than individual spotlight.
  • Curtis Counce – You Get More Bounce with Curtis Counce! (1957)
    This album, part of the West Coast bop movement, benefits from Marable’s tight drumming and crisp swing feel. It’s a classic example of his work in a quintet setting.

A Quiet but Lasting Legacy

Lawrence Marable may never have become a star in the traditional sense, but his work speaks volumes. His playing was never about showmanship—it was about feel, support, and musical conversation. In an era when drummers were increasingly judged by speed and flash, Marable remained true to the art of accompaniment. His influence continues through the recordings he made, the musicians he inspired, and the unmistakable groove he brought to every bandstand.

Marable passed away in 2007, but his understated elegance and rock-solid musicianship remain an essential part of jazz history, particularly in the evolution of the West Coast sound. For those seeking a masterclass in subtlety, swing, and taste, Lawrence Marable’s recordings offer a wealth of inspiration.

Lawrence Marable Tenorman

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Herb Geller Fire in the West (LP)

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