The Blues & 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