Horace Parlan - Up & Down (Blue Note Tone Poet) (Quick Ship)

Horace Parlan’s 'Up & Down' remains a testament to the understated brilliance of early 1960s Blue Note jazz. This album captures Parlan’s distinctively soulful approach to the piano, shaped by a childhood bout with polio that left him with limited use of his right hand. Rather than a limitation, this led to a uniquely percussive and expressive left-hand style, heard in full bloom across this session. Parlan assembles a remarkable band—Booker Ervin’s robust tenor, Grant Green’s fluid guitar, and the ever-reliable George Tucker and Al Harewood in the rhythm section. Tracks like 'The Book's Beat' and 'Fugee' don’t just swing; they brim with bluesy invention and camaraderie. The Blue Note Tone Poet edition elevates the listening experience with audiophile-grade mastering and packaging, offering remarkable clarity and presence. 'Up & Down' isn’t just another hard bop record—it’s a vital document of resilience, collaboration, and the creative spirit that defined an era. For any jazz enthusiast or vinyl collector, this pressing is a portal to the intimate, smoky rooms where modern jazz was forged. Don’t miss the chance to own this piece of living history, presented in its most sonically authentic form.