Us Three
Horace Parlan · 1960
41 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A soulful blend of hard-bop rhythms and bluesy melodies that highlights Parlan's distinctive piano style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Us Three — The title track serves as a perfect introduction to the album, showcasing Parlan's ability to blend intricate melodies with rich harmonic textures.
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Come Rain or Come Shine — This rendition highlights Parlan's emotive playing style, creating a deeply expressive atmosphere that elevates the classic standard.
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The Lady Is a Tramp — Parlan’s interpretation transforms this well-known tune into an engaging dialogue between piano and rhythm section, emphasizing his playful approach to jazz standards.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases Parlan's unique style through strong compositions and skilled performances, making it a notable entry in jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a strong rhythmic foundation with hard-bop influences, allowing for intricate piano improvisations that drive each track.
- Parlan's piano often takes center stage, with the other instruments providing a supportive backdrop rather than competing for attention.
- Several tracks incorporate bluesy motifs, which are woven into the melodies and harmonies, creating a soulful atmosphere throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- soulful grooves for relaxed evenings
- intimate moments of reflective listening
- warm melodies for cozy settings
- rich emotional expression throughout
Maybe skip if you
- requires patience for full appreciation
- not suited for fast-paced environments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1960, Us Three marked Horace Parlan's third album as a bandleader, solidifying his voice in the jazz scene following the success of his earlier works. This album came at a time when Parlan was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the hard bop genre, showcasing his unique approach to rhythm and harmony.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Andrew Hill· McCoy Tyner· Cecil Taylor
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Come Rain or Come Shine
The arrangement shifts from a reflective tone to a more vibrant expression during the bridge, creating a contrast that captures emotional depth.
This dynamic shift not only showcases Parlan's creative arrangement but also enhances the song's emotional narrative through contrasting musical intensity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Us Three 4:35
- 2 I Want to Be Loved 4:53
- 3 Come Rain or Come Shine 6:29
- 4 Wadin' 5:54
- 5 The Lady Is a Tramp 7:12
- 6 Walkin' 7:08
- 7 Return Engagement 4:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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