"Horace Parlan worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk's quartet from 1963 to 1966. One of their earliest road gigs was at a small club in Cincinnati. They arrived to find only an organ in the joint, an instrument which Horace has always been loathe to play. Unfortunately, the battered piano that was eventually brought in proved to be an equally unpleasant alternative. On the welcome flight home, Parlan wrote Back From The Gig, a tone poem of relief and serenity. Horace re-recorded this tune ten years later when he first moved to Copenhagen" - Micheal Cuscuna - Liner Notes from “Happy State of Mind.”

  Parlan is often forgotten and underrated in the jazz piano game and that's a shame, especially considering he is on and contributes to some of the best albums on Blue Note during the 60s. After conquering childhood polio and which left his right hand paralyzed, he worked up his thumb and forefinger on the paralyzed hand and he applied his trade in the again underrated music city of Pittsburgh, working with The local Turrentine brothers and others before being essentially drafted by Charles Mingus for his Jazz Workshop and other adventures.

  A great pianist and composer, this is something I thought I needed to do even if its just to keep his name and legacy out there. Put some respect on Horace Parlans name. \

Peace and Love Jake

piano: Horace Parlan trumpet: Johnny Coles, tenor sax: Booker Ervin, guitar: Grant Green, bass: Butch Warren, drums: Billy Higgins