Category: SACD

Title: Oliver Nelson – The Blues And The Abstract Truth (1961) [Japanese Limited SHM-SACD 2011]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Oliver Nelson, primarily a big band arranger, shines as a saxophonist and small-ensemble leader in Blues and the Abstract Truth. The album defines an era with the iconic “Stolen Moments,” featuring a timeless three-part horn harmony led by Freddie Hubbard. Nelson assembles a stellar sextet with Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Roy Haynes. Nelson and Dolphy, on alto (Nelson doubling on tenor), create a perfect, dynamic partnership. The rhythm section of Evans, Chambers, and Haynes is impeccable. “Yearnin’” delivers a stylish, bluesy vibe, highlighting Evans’ emotive playing. “Teenie’s Blues” showcases Dolphy’s distinctive, angular alto sax alongside Nelson. “Hoedown” stands out with its unique country flavor and call-and-response horns. Hard bop tracks “Cascades” and “Butch & Butch” capture the early ’60s jazz spirit and Hubbard’s mastery. A must-have for jazz fans, this album is a timeless classic.

 allmusic | discogs

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Title: Oliver Nelson – The Blues And The Abstract Truth (1961) [Analogue Productions 2010]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Oliver Nelson’s 1961 album Blues and the Abstract Truth is a jazz masterpiece featuring Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Roy Haynes. It introduces the iconic standard “Stolen Moments,” a timeless, three-part horn harmony led by Hubbard. Nelson, primarily known as a big band arranger, excels here as a saxophonist and small-ensemble leader. The potent sextet, with Nelson and Dolphy on alto (Nelson doubling on tenor), delivers a perfectly balanced sound. “Yearnin’” captures the bluesy essence, showcasing Evans’ emotive style. “Teenie’s Blues” highlights Dolphy’s distinctive, angular alto sax voice alongside Nelson. “Hoedown” stands out with its country flavor and call-and-response horn interplay. Hard bop tracks “Cascades” and “Butch & Butch” reflect the early ’60s jazz era and Hubbard’s mastery. The rhythm section of Evans, Chambers, and Haynes is flawless. A must-have for jazz fans, this album is a defining work of its time.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: Oliver Nelson – Screamin’ The Blues (1960/2018)
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Oliver Nelson and Eric Dolphy shine in a dynamic sextet session, joined by Richard Williams, Richard Wyands, George Duvivier, and Roy Haynes. Nelson’s five original compositions, including “Screamin’ the Blues” and “The Meetin’,” showcase his compositional prowess. Dolphy’s unique virtuosity complements Nelson’s vision, creating a vibrant, funky modernist sound. This album, part of Analogue Productions’ audiophile Prestige Stereo reissues, highlights Rudy Van Gelder’s finest recordings. Nelson, initially celebrated as a small-group leader, proves his versatility here. The Nelson-Dolphy partnership, marked by multi-instrumental skill, generates a rich diversity of tones. Their collaboration later continued on Blues and the Abstract Truth and Straight Ahead. The sextet’s shared commitment to virtuosity and innovation drives the session’s intensity. Wyands, Duvivier, and Haynes provide a solid rhythmic foundation. Screamin’ the Blues remains a standout in Nelson’s early catalog.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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