Speakin' My Piece
Horace Parlan · 1960
39 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of hard bop, blending intricate melodies with soulful grooves and Parlan's distinctive piano style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wadin' — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and improvisational flair, showcasing Parlan's skillful piano work and deep groove.
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Speakin' My Piece — The title track encapsulates the album’s essence with its sophisticated interplay between instruments and a memorable melody that highlights Parlan's signature style.
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Oh So Blue — This track stands out for its emotive quality and lyrical phrasing, allowing Parlan to delve into a deeper expressive range that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album combines intricate melodies with engaging grooves, showcasing Parlan's unique style within hard bop.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and intricate piano lines that drive the compositions.
- Each track showcases a distinct melodic theme, often returning to variations of these themes throughout the piece.
- The interplay between the piano and the accompanying instruments creates a dynamic conversation, with shifts in intensity and mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady melodic explorations
- long immersive listening sessions
- reflective and contemplative moods
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1960, Speakin' My Piece was Horace Parlan's third album and marked his emergence as a significant voice in the jazz scene after moving to Europe. This album followed his successful releases on the Blue Note label and showcased his unique approach to hard bop, which was beginning to gain more recognition during this period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Andrew Hill· McCoy Tyner· Cecil Taylor
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wadin' 6:09
- 2 Up in Cynthia's Room 6:19
- 3 Borderline 6:10
- 4 Rastus 6:53
- 5 Oh So Blue 7:39
- 6 Speakin' My Piece 6:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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