Horace Parlan

Horace Parlan overcame physical disability and thrived as a pianist despite it. His right hand was partially disabled by polio in his childhood, but Parlan made frenetic, highly rhythmic right hand phrases part of his characteristic style, contrasting them with striking left-hand chords. He cited Ahmad Jamal and Bud Powell as prime influences, though he also infused blues and R&B influences into his style. He began playing in R&B bands during the ’50s, joining Charles Mingus’ group from 1957 to 1959 following a move from Pittsburgh to New York. Mingus aided his career enormously, both through his recordings and his influence, with the pianist appearing on classic albums including Blues & Roots and Mingus Ah Um. Parlan played with Booker Ervin in 1960 and 1961 followed by stints in the Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis-Johnny Griffin quintet and Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s band. Parlan was a frequent presence on Blue Note records throughout the early-60s, making his debut as a leader with Movin’ and Groovin’ in 1960 and following with an outstanding series of soulful hard bop albums: Us Three, Speakin’ My Piece, Headin’ South, On The Spur of the Moment, Up & Down, and Happy Frame of Mind. He also appeared a sideman on Blue Note classics including Dexter Gordon Doin’ Allright, Stanley Turrentine Look Out!, and Lou Donaldson Sunny Side Up. Parlan left America for Copenhagen in 1973, and gained international recognition for some stunning albums on Steeplechase, including a pair of superb duet sessions with Archie Shepp.