Requisites

On The Spur Of The Moment ~ Horace Parlan | By Eddie Carter

Any album by pianist Horace Parlan is always a delightful listen for yours truly. This morning’s choice from the library offered for your consideration is his 1961 release, On The Spur of The Moment (Blue Note BLP 4074/BST 84074). As a child, Horace was stricken with polio, resulting in the partial crippling of his right hand. He managed to develop a left-hand chord-voicing style and also learned to improvise with detailed comping using the right. Horace is supported on this date by Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Stanley Turrentine (Tommy’s brother) on tenor sax, George Tucker on bass, and Al Harewood on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1984 Toshiba-EMI Japanese Stereo reissue (Blue Note BST 84074 – BNJ 71034).

Side One starts with an original by the leader, On The Spur of The Moment. Horace opens with a brief introduction segueing into the ensemble’s mid tempo melody. Tommy is up first and makes his mark with a gorgeous tone. Horace follows with some light-hearted swinging, then Stanley adds some soulful cooking to the third reading. George does some solid walking on the next solo and Al has a brief exchange with the front line ahead of the quintet’s closing chorus. Skoo Chee by Booker Ervin raises the energy level a few notches on the group’s collective melody. Stanley leads the way with a swinging opener, then Tommy attacks the second statement with spirited energy. Horace delivers a splendid solo next preceding Stanley’s vigorous closing statement and shouts during a slow fade.

And That I Am So In Love by Harold Ousley slows the pace down to midtempo with Stanley and the trio delivering a happy opening chorus. Stanley starts things off with a pleasant opening solo. Tommy follows with some thoughtfully interesting lines and Horace continues to mesmerize with a gorgeous finale before Stanley returns for the gentle dissolve into oblivion. Al’s Tune by Booker Ervin begins Side Two with the quintet’s easy-flowing melody. Tommy takes the lead this time with an exquisite opening statement. Stanley’s tenor brightens the second interpretation like the sun following the rain on a summer day. Horace serves up a sparkling reading next, followed by George who walks with authority on the finale into the ensemble’s conclusion.

Ray C. by Leon Mitchell is a slow blues that would be a perfect tribute to Ray Charles although this isn’t known according to Ira Gitler’s liner notes. The quintet creates a relaxed atmosphere on the bluesy theme, and Stanley, Tommy, Horace, and George all cruise at a comfortable speed before the quintet takes the song out. Roger Williams who wrote the album closer, Pyramid is a jazz pianist from Pittsburgh and the quintet begins the melody of this pretty song deceptively slowly. The pace picks up for Stanley who opens with an impressive interpretation. Tommy holds his own on the second statement with an exceptional performance and Horace puts the final stamp on the album with a sprightly finale leading to the ensemble’s out-chorus.

On The Spur of The Moment was produced by Alfred Lion and recorded by Rudy Van Gelder. This reissue was the first Stereo release of this album, and the sound quality is exceptional with a stunning soundstage. The musicians jump out of your speakers as if they’re playing in front of you. Tommy is on the left channel; Stanley is on the right channel, and the trio occupies both. Toshiba-EMI Limited has done an excellent job with the mastering of Rudy’s original tapes. This is one of three albums this group recorded together, the other two are Speakin’ My Piece (1960) and Comin’ Your Way (1987). If you’re in the mood for some Hard-Bop that swings, I offer for your next vinyl hunt, On The Spur of The Moment by Horace Parlan. It’s a great find for anyone who enjoys jazz and should fit nicely in any library!

~ Comin’ Your Way (Blue Note BLJ 84065), Speakin’ My Piece (Blue Note BLP 4043/BST 84043) – Source: Discogs.com
© 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter



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