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4 June 1932 – 28 October 1975

Oliver Nelson – The Blues and the Abstract Truth (CD)

Firstly, a big hats off (or caps off) to the Universal / Impulse Music Company. This is not the first and definitely will not be the last re-release of this classic 1961 recording. But it has to be said; this is a great quality jazz re-release ‘on CD’. Many earlier classic analogue recordings do not translate well onto the CD format for many technical reasons, but this CD sounds non-abrasive, airy and true.

With significant input from jazz luminaries such as Bill Evans, Roy Haynes Eric Dolphy, Paul Chambers and Freddie Hubbard, one would expect no less than excellence on every level. Oliver Nelson’s searching compositions allow his chosen musicians to create pure magic.

You may not fall in love with every track on this album. But when you finally take in breath, open your eyes and release the repeat button after eight minutes and forty six seconds of the blues soaked gem “Stolen Moments”, you simply feel impelled to explore further and marvel at Nelson and his fellow musicians achievements here. ‘The Blues’ can conjure many emotions, because Nelson’s compositions reach far beyond the blues (especially evident with “Hoe-Down” and “Cascades”) you also get a sense of Nelson’s confidence in his fellow musician’s ability to ‘swing it’.

Nelson’s compositions are varied, complex, and timeless. He allows the listener space and time to simply reflect, and become involved within each piece. Without doubt, Nelson’s “Blues and the Abstract Truth” has had a profound influence on jazz / blues recordings.

Robin Francis
21 April 2006
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd