Customer Reviews

On The Spur Of The Moment

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Horace Parlan's "On The Spur Of The Moment" is a classic hard bop meets soul jazz Blue Note session from the early 60s. This is one of three albums featuring the lineup of Parlan with Tommy and Stanley Turrentine, George Tucker and Al Harewood -- the other two being Parlan's "Speakin' My Piece" and Stanley Turrentine's "Comin' Your Way." And they are all classics. The grooving title-track and "Skoo Chee" are the album's standout tunes. While "On The Spur Of The Moment" is not Parlan's best album (that honor goes to "Happy Frame of Mind" -- see my review), it's definitely worthy of a five-star award. For those of you who failed to get this domestically in the limited edition Connoisseur series, this will cost you a little more but it's worth it.

This album has always been one of my favorite straight ahead blowing sessions. I've always liked Horace Parlan's bluesy style. Add to his trio, the Turrentine brothers and you had one of the best combos of the early 1960's. On The Spur Of The Moment was also a popular album on Los Angeles' Jazz radio stations in the early '60's. I remember one afternoon when a DJ played three tunes in a row from the album, without a commercial break! This album is the epitome of Blue Note records quality. The only down side is there are no ballads.