Requisites

Happy Frame of Mind ~ Horace Parlan | By Eddie Carter

Horace Parlan has always been one of my favorite pianists, and this morning’s record from the library is a 1963 recording session that remained shelved until 1976. Happy Frame of Mind (Blue Note BST 84134) is a sextet date that was initially released as a two-record set by Booker Ervin. It finally hit the stores a decade later with its original cover and catalog number. The supporting cast is a stellar one: Johnny Coles on trumpet, Booker Ervin on tenor sax, Grant Green on guitar, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. My copy is the 1991 Toshiba EMI Japanese Stereo reissue sharing the original catalog number.

Side One opens with Home Is Africa by Ronnie Boykins. Butch and Billy get things started ahead of the ensemble’s haunting melody. Johnny is up first with a relaxing reading; then Booker gives a gorgeous solo. Grant makes an effective contribution next. Horace gives the song’s most inventive improvisation before the sextet’s closing chorus ends as it begins. A Tune For Richard by Booker Ervin gets busy with Billy’s lively introduction to the ensemble’s brisk melody. Johnny leads the charge, then Booker takes flight next. Grant delivers the third message effectively, and Horace ends with a spirited interpretation preceding the theme’s restatement and close.

Back From The Gig by Horace Parlan is the pianist’s reference to returning home from a particularly difficult gig, and the sextet begins with an easygoing melody. Horace’s opening solo flows with feeling, then Grant builds a perfect melodic line in the following reading. Booker follows with a statement that’s warm and heartfelt, and Butch takes over for a tender finale leading back to the climax. Dexi by Johnny Coles begins Side Two at a brisk clip with a quick melody into Johnny’s opening solo that sets the table. Booker is given considerable space for an impressive statement next. Horace follows with a soulful interpretation, and Grant takes a quick turn, preceding the quick reprise and fadeout.

Kucheza Blues by Randy Weston maintains an upbeat pace with the trio’s introduction to the front line’s jaunty theme. Horace leads the way with a refreshing solo. Booker follows, fueling the second statement with enthusiastic choruses. Johnny sinks his teeth into the third reading, and Butch walks swiftly toward the closing chorus and fade out. Horace’s Happy Frame of Mind is a happy rocker that the sextet has fun in the melody. Grant takes the lead and beautifully executes the first solo. Horace follows with a thoroughly enjoyable reading. Booker improvises freely in the third spot; then Johnny shares the finale with Billy before the sextet returns to take it out.

Alfred Lion produced the initial session, and Rudy Van Gelder was the recording engineer. The reissue’s sound quality is superb, with a vivid soundstage that brings the musicians to your listening room with excellent fidelity. Happy Frame of Mind is an overlooked jewel in Horace Parlan’s discography. If you’re a fan of Horace Parlan and don’t own the two-record set, Back From The Gig, I invite you to seek out Happy Frame of Mind on your next record shopping trip. It’s a wonderful album with a stellar supporting cast that I hope more jazz fans will discover!

~ Back From The Gig (The Blue Note Reissue Series BN-LA488-H2) – Source: Discogs.com

© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter



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