George Cables was equally skilled as a leader and as a sideman. He helped define mainstream jazz piano in the 1980s, 1990s. He was just 18 when he founded the Jazz Samaritans along with Steve Grossman, Billy Cobham and Mannes College. Cables was well-known for his time with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Joe Henderson (1969-1971), Freddie Hubbard (1971-1976). Cables was with Dexter Gordon (1976-1978), during the tenor’s successful return to America. He became Art Pepper’s favorite piano player (1979-1982). Cables was also a regular collaborator with Beyond and Bebop (starting in 1984), and he has recorded in many different situations throughout the years as a leader. He is most well-known for his work for Contemporary (including the classic Cables Vision 1979), Concord and SteepleChase. Allmusic
