Piano and vocals are the latest releases from UK’s AVID group
Best known for his work as a sideman for Charles Mingus, pianist Horace Parlan released impressive albums on his own during his illustrious career. His 1960 trio album with George Tucker/b and Al Harewood/dr that has the leader in a gospel mood on ‘Wadin’” and gives a rich behind the back feel to the title piece “Us Three”. Another release from the same year adds tenorist Stanley Turrentine with some preaching on “Speakin’ My Peace” and digging deep on “Oh So Blue” with conga player ray Baretto replacing Turrentine for a festive “Congalergre” and Parlan giving clever solos on “The Song Is Ended” and “Prelude To A Kiss”. One release from 1961 brings in both Stanley Turrentine and his trumpet playing brother Tommy for some nice bluesy ideas as “On The Spur Of The Moment” and “Al’s Tune”. Baptized in blue.
Petula Clark is one of the most successful and longest lasting British vocalists, having sung during WWII before having big hits during Beatlemania. Her 1957 debut focuses of sogs of tunes associated with Hollywood like “It’s Foolish But It’s Fun” and “Sonny Boy”. She later on focuses on songs from the Big Band era such as “On The Atchison Topeka and The Santa Fe” and “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes” along with “There’s A Small Hotel”. A collection of torch songs includes “Goodnight My Love” and “As Time Goes By” . The orchestrations are rich and pop filled, but you can always here her cheerfulness and optimistic tone on swingers like “Too Darn Hot” and “Fascinating Rhythm”. Pre sleeping in the subway, darling.