Horace Parlan


Horace Parlan was an American pianist and composer known for working in the hard bop and post-bop styles of jazz. In addition to his work as a bandleader Parlan was known for his contributions to the Charles Mingus recordings Mingus Ah Um and Blues & Roots.

Early life

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. In his birth year, Parlan was stricken with polio, resulting in the partial crippling of his right hand. The handicap contributed to his development of a particularly "pungent" left-hand chord voicing style, while comping with highly rhythmic phrases with the right.

Later life and career

Between 1952 and 1957, he worked in Washington, D.C., with Sonny Stitt, then spent two years with Mingus' Jazz Workshop. In 1973, Parlan moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. He later settled in the small village of Rude in southern Zealand. In 1974, he completed a State Department tour of Africa with Hal Singer.
His later work, such as a series of duos with the tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp included the album Goin' Home, steeped in gospel music.
Parlan received the 2000 Ben Webster Prize awarded by the Ben Webster Foundation.
He died at a nursing home in Naestved, Denmark at the age of 86. He had been suffering from multiple ailments, including diabetes and failing eyesight.

Discography

As leader/co-leader

Main source:
Documentary, released on DVD: ''Horace Parlan by Horace Parlan''

As sideman

With Dave BaileyOne Foot in the Gutter Gettin' Into Somethin' – rec. 1960
With Eddie "Lockjaw" DavisGoin' to the Meeting – rec. 1960Tough Tenor Favorites also with Johnny GriffinJaw's Blues
With Lou DonaldsonThe Time Is Right Sunny Side Up Midnight Sun – rec. 1960
With Booker ErvinThat's It! Exultation!
With Dexter GordonDoin' Allright Stable Mable
With Slide HamptonJazz with a Twist – rec. 1961Explosion! The Sound of Slide Hampton
With Roland KirkGifts & Messages I Talk with the Spirits – rec. 1964Slightly Latin
With Charles MingusA Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry Mingus Ah Um Blues & Roots – rec. 1959
With Doug Raney
With Archie SheppSplashes Black Ballads
With Idrees SuliemanBird's Grass – rec. 1976Groovin' – rec. 1985
With Stanley TurrentineLook Out! Up at "Minton's" Salt Song Comin' Your Way – rec. 1961
With others