On the Spur of the Moment cover

On the Spur of the Moment

Horace Parlan · 1961

56 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic grace that captures the essence of early 1960s jazz innovation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    On the Spur of the Moment — The title track showcases Parlan's signature style, intertwining intricate melodies with a rhythmic drive that encapsulates the album's overall spirit.
  • →
    Skoo Chee — This track features an engaging interplay between Parlan's piano and the accompanying musicians, highlighting his ability to create compelling dialogues within his compositions.
  • →
    Pyramid — With its complex chord structures and dynamic shifts, Pyramid exemplifies Parlan's innovative approach to jazz composition and improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Parlan's blend of rhythmic complexity and soulful melodies creates a distinctive jazz experience, though it lacks some cohesion due to alternate takes.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the last three tracks introduce alternate takes that shift the focus from original compositions.
  • Each track showcases intricate piano lines accompanied by a rhythm section that emphasizes syncopation and bluesy undertones.
  • The album's title track opens with a strong melodic statement, which is then developed through improvisation across the subsequent pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • rhythmic complexity that invites exploration
  • long tracks for deep immersion
  • melodic grace with vibrant energy
  • alternate takes for fresh perspectives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, instant gratification
  • seek straightforward, predictable structures

Where this album fits

Career context
On the Spur of the Moment marks Horace Parlan's third studio album, following his notable release, Speakin' My Piece, in 1960. At this point in his career, Parlan was becoming recognized for his unique sound that combined blues influences with intricate jazz harmonies. This album further solidified his reputation as a distinctive voice in the jazz genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Andrew Hill· McCoy Tyner· Cecil Taylor

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 On the Spur of the Moment 5:52
  • 2 Skoo Chee 10:55
  • 3 And That I Am So in Love 5:04
  • 4 Al's Tune 7:02
  • 5 Ray C. 6:45
  • 6 Pyramid 6:28
  • 7 On the Spur of the Moment (alternate take) 7:55
  • 8 Pyramid (alternate take) 6:31

What to play next

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Full Horace Parlan discography Artists like Horace Parlan
jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata