Horace Parlan - Seven Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Set

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Horace Parlan - Seven Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Set

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Real Gone Jazz reissued seven classic albums from the early '60s by hard bop pianist Horace Parlan, Movin' and Groovin', Us Three, Speakin' My Piece, Headin' South, On the Spur of the Moment, Up and Down, and Doin' Alright (with Dexter Gordon). Even though this set does not contain any bonus tracks, this isn't a bad way to pick up these sessions if you don't already own them.

Review by Al Campbell, Allmusic.com

This set comprises Parlan's first six albums as a leader - all for Blue Note - plus one led by Dexter Gordon. This incredibly prolific output was accomplished between 1960 and 61, and does not account for all of the recorded work Parlan did during that period.

I especially love the way this set and the first six albums in particular allow a glimpse into Parlan's professional growth. And it is evident even though some of the albums in this set were recorded almost back-to-back. Part of Parlan's success can be attributed to bassist George Tucker and drummer Al Harewood. They are on every album and grew with Parlan. Another thing I love is the collaborations with Stanley and Tommy Turrentine who are on two of these albums, as well as the final album featuring both Freddie Hubbard and Dexter Gordon on the only album in this set not led by Parlan. Lest I forget, the album featuring Booker Ervin and Grant Green is also priceless.

Instead of babbling on I will answer the two burning questions you may have. First, how is the sound? To my ears it is not only excellent, but I did not experience the media flaws that another reviewer reported. Second, what is in this set? I have taken the time to track down the background information of every album in this set, as well as to link to individual albums. Unfortunately almost no albums linked contain sound samples, but there are sound samples for every track on this page: The Jazz Collection. Let those be your true guides.

Note: Each of the seven albums in this set were recorded for Blue Note at Rudy van Gelder's Englewood Cliffs, NJ studio.

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DISC ONE
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Movin & Groovin: Parlan's debut album as a leader that was recorded on February 29, 1960. He is backed by Sam Jones on bass and Al Harewood on drums. Tracks are:
01. C Jam Blues; 02. On Green Dolphin Street; 03. Up in Cynthia's Room; 04. Lady Bird; 05. Bag's Groove; 06. Stella by Starlight; 07. There Is No Greater Love; 08. It Could Happen to You

Us Three: Recorded April 20, 1960. Bassist George Tucker joins the trio, giving Parlan a solid, long term rhythm section of Tucker and Harewood. Tracks are:
09. Us Three; 10. I Want to Be Loved; 11. Come Rain or Come Shine; 12. Wadin'; 13. The Lady Is a Tramp

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DISC TWO
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The first two tracks are Us Three continued from the previous disc.
01. Walkin'; 02. Return Engagement

Speakin' My Piece (XRCD24 Master): Recorded on July 14, 1960. The Parlan-Tucker-Harewood trio joined by Tommy Turrentine on trumpet and Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax. Tracks are:
03. Wadin'; 04. Up in Cynthias Room; 05. Borderline; 06. Rastus; 07. Oh So Blue; 08. Speakin' My Piece

Headin' South: Recorded on December 6, 1960 with Parlan on piano backed by Tucker and Harewood, plus Ray Barretto on congas. Tracks are:
09. Headin' South; 10. The Song Is Ended; 11. Summertime; 12. Low Down; 13. Congalegre

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DISC THREE
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The first three tracks are Headin' South continued from the previous disc.
01. Prelude to a Kiss; 02. Jim Loves Sue; 03. My Mother's Eyes

On The Spur Of The Moment (XRCD24 Master): Recorded on March 18, 1961 and is another collaboration between the Parlan-Tucker-Harewood trio and brothers Tommy Turrentine on trumpet and Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax. Tracks are:
04. On the Spur of the Moment; 05. Skoo Chee; 06. And That I Am So in Love; 07. Al's Tune; 08. Ray C; 09. Pyramid

Up & Down: Recorded on June 18, 1961. Parlan, Tucker and Harewood are joined by Grant Green on guitar and Booker Ervin on tenor sax. Tracks are:
10. Books Beat; 11. Up and Down;

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DISC FOUR
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The first four tracks are Up and Down continued from the previous disc.
01. Fugee; 02. The Other Part of Town; 03. Lonely One; 04. Light Blue

Doin Allright: This album was recorded on May 6, 1961 and is led by Dexter Gordon. Gordon's tenor sax is accompanied by Freddie Hubbard on trumpet with Parlan, Tucker and Harewood holding down the rhythm section.
05. I Was Doing All Right; 06. You've Changed; 07. For Regulars Only; 08. Society Red; 09. It's You or No One

Review by Mike Tarrani, Amazon.com

Wow. Let me tell you that I was a little unsure about purchasing one of these 4 CD box sets because of the sound quality may be or may not be that good. I was told by a true jazz music listener(whom I have known for a few years)who is also a well respected employee at a local music store in my area that you can't go wrong In purchasing any of these from Real Gone Jazz especially this one. Not only do you get six titles under Horace Parlan, 5 of which were only available as a Japanese import, you also get Dexter Gordon's Doin' Alright album as well. That's seven albums for under 20$!!

The only quibble is that there are no liner notes but there are lists of the musicians for each of the albums. The sound quality is good here. As for the other mini box sets out there that are on this label you may have to take a chance and rely on word of mouth like I did with this particular set.

This is great early 60's bop and blues with a couple of albums including the Turrentine Brothers Tommy & Stanley(Speakin' my Piece, On The Spur of The Moment), three trio albums(Movin' and Groovin',Us Three, Headin South)one album with Booker Ervin and Grant Green(Up and Down) and an album under Dexter Gordon`s name with Freddie Hubbard(Doin` Alright). All these albums feature Horace Parlan on piano. On Headin`South 5 of the 8 tracks include the great conga player Ray Barretto.

Overall a great purchase.You will not be disappointed!

Review by SteveD, Amazon.com

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Horace Parlan - Seven Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Set

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Horace Parlan - Seven Classic Albums (2012) 4CD Set

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