Oliver Nelson - The Blues and the Abstract Truth




"...Let me cut to the chase here and recommend that you buy two copies - one to enjoy and the other to hold for resale, because some day Acoustic Sounds' license will run out and lots of jazz fans will be kicking themselves for not buying a copy. Kevin Gray has turned out a perfect remastering job and this is my choice for reissue of the year." Recording = 10/10; Music = 10/10 - Dennis Davis, Hi-Fi+, Issue 68

As Oliver Nelson is known primarily as a big band leader and arranger, he is lesser known as a saxophonist and organizer of small ensembles. Blues And The Abstract Truth is his triumph as a musician for the aspects of not only defining the sound of an era with his all-time classic "Stolen Moments," but on this recording, assembling one of the most potent modern jazz sextets ever. Lead trumpeter Freddie Hubbard is at his peak of performance, while alto saxophonists Nelson and Eric Dolphy (Nelson doubling on tenor) team to for an unlikely union that was simmered to perfection. Bill Evans (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Roy Haynes (drums) can do no wrong as a rhythm section.

Originally released in 1961.

Mastered by Kevin Gray.

Oliver Nelson, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
George Barrow, baritone saxophone
Paul Chambers, bass
Eric Dolphy, flute, alto saxophone
Bill Evans, piano
Roy Haynes, drums
Freddie Hubbard, trumpet

 



Stolen Moments
Hoe-Down
Cascades
Yearnin'
Butch And Butch
Teenie's Blues

Customer Reviews (4.33 Stars) 6 person(s) rated this product.

Clean, rich and warm

posted on 11/03/2019
5 Stars
A must have for your jazz collection. The recording and music keeps you listening. Wish I had discovered it sooner.


Great music

posted on 12/22/2012
5 Stars
Reviewer: Gregory Sullivan
Get this for the title track alone it's one of the best compositions of its time. The mood it sets and the playing is first rate. The rest of the album is fine and a great listen.


Stunning

posted on 10/19/2011
5 Stars
Nothing needs to be said about the music. The sonics are superb. A Must Own jazz title.


What it could have been.

posted on 09/28/2011
1 Stars
After hearing samples of this album I couldn't wait to get it, and in SACD format I thought I had found the sound I was looking for. I started to listen to the album and it started good, but it soon fell prey to the interpertations of abstract modern jazz. This is my fault it's in the title. Throughout the album there are hints of what good jazz is and can be. But for the most part the good sounds are few and far between. I must be getting old because I have not found any jazz newer than the pre 1960s (classical jazz sounds of The Duke and Count Basie) worth the time or dollars. Showing you can play and carry a note then not playing well to prove you don't have too? I guess that's Modern Jazz. I wish I had my money back as I have tried to listen to this disc several times and I just can't make it through it. If you are looking for jazz or yearn for jazz with class, a smooth, relaxing steady tempo and beat, keep on looking.


WOW

posted on 09/21/2010
5 Stars
Reviewer: GARCRA
Out of 200 SACD's I own (mostly Jazz & Pop/Rock) this is in the top three, maybe #1. It's stunningly good music. I can't find a flaw in any aspect of this disc.


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