October 1997

Horace Parlan
Us Three
Blue Note Records

By Willard Jenkins

This is one of those hearty, blue-drenched dates that would have languished on the shelves of most labels. Thank goodness for Blue Note's aggressive reissue policy. Horace Parlan, not one of Blue Note's A-list players, has always been a very dependable swinger with a churchy approach that never goes over the edge into preachiness and is dexterous enough to overcome a childhood polio affliction to his right hand.

He is joined by George Tucker on bass, and Al Harewood on drums. Together they achieve piano trio nirvana; joyous communication and the sound of delight is evident from the moment the laser hits track one. The swing of familiarity is quickly achieved, and comes to a blessed head on their treatment of "Come Rain Or Come Shine." This is one of those rarities that reissue mongers treasure.