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Oliver Nelson

"Meet Oliver Nelson" by Oliver Nelson on New Jazz NLJP 8224

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"Meet Oliver Nelson" by Oliver Nelson on New Jazz NLJP 8224

Nelson’s debut.

Highly enjoyable jazz with a great bunch of players. This is Oliver Nelson’s debut album. I have a couple of other titles with him as a leader and both are great, as is this.

It’s blues drenched at times, melancholy at times, up-tempo and energetic at times. In other words a nice mix of different flavors.

I truly dig Nelson’s tenor. It’s smooth and has a pleasant tone. He plays really good. Love that Dorham and Taylor are on this as well, they are always great.

There’s quite a few original compositions by Nelson on this and it’s a nice taste of what was to come later. My favorite tune on this album is not a Nelson original though. It’s called “What’s New” (originally titled “I’m Free”, an instrumental from 1938), composed in 1939 by Bob Haggart, a dixieland double bassist.

This title is worth checking out if you haven’t before.

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"Screamin' The Blues" by Oliver Nelson on New Jazz 8243

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"Screamin' The Blues" by Oliver Nelson on New Jazz 8243

Another New Jazz gem.

Sorry for not posting for some time. Been trying to post all the stuff I’ve posted on this site through the years on my Instagram page, so haven’t found the time to actually post some new stuff here. But I will concentrate on trying to post more regulary. Also, it’s here you’ll see the newest additions to the collection first.

Some bluesy stuff on this one by Oliver Nelson flanked by the always amazing Eric Dolphy. The other cats are a nice bunch as well, consisting of the great trumpeter Richard Williams with his fiery style, Richard Wyands on piano who I have not explored much at all, the always reliable George Duvivier on the double bass and Mr. Snap Crackle himself Roy Haynes on drums.

I have always loved the more bluesy stuff when it comes to jazz. I enjoy it when at least one tune on a jazz album has some heavier bluesy qualities. I like that mix. So this album is a great one for me, on which the blues is infused in a very appealing way on a couple of tunes in particular. Overall, for me, Dolphys’ and Williams’ contributions are clear highlights. All the tunes except for one is penned by Nelson, which is highly impressive as well.

I’ve mentioned this before; the New Jazz label is a lovely label that offers plenty of great jazz, all kinds of different styles. I highly recommend anyone who has not yet explored this label to do so, and this LP is a great way to start.

Christmas is just around the corner, looking forward to the time off with the family. We’re going to Florida and I just hope this Covid shit isn’t getting any worse. I’m a bit worried, but hoping for the best. We need the sun and warmth. Looking to maybe visiting some record shops. We’ll see. If anyone has any good suggestions on record shops with a nice used jazz selection on the gulf coast of Florida, please let me know.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Take care of yourselves and your families and stay safe. Cheers!

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"The Blues and the Abstract Truth" by Oliver Nelson on Impulse! A-5

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"The Blues and the Abstract Truth" by Oliver Nelson on Impulse! A-5

A classic Impulse! title that you should own.

“Stolen Moments” is the opening tune of this album and it stands out. Freddie Hubbard plays such a wonderful solo on this beautiful, soothing and calm piece of music. It’s composed, like all the other tunes on this album, by Oliver Nelson. The personnel on this session is a dream line-up, consisting of Nelson on tenor and alto, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Eric Dolphy on alto and flute, George Barrow on baritone, Bill Evans on piano, Paul Chambers on double bass and Roy Haynes on drums.

Another favorite tune is “Cascades” which is a great up-tempo piece, with very nice arrangements in the opening theme, and it features a sweet solo by Bill Evans. The whole album is very enjoyable and Nelsons compositional skills are impressive. It’s a nice mix of tunes. I dig Oliver Nelson a lot and I’ve added a couple of more titles with him as a leader to the collection during the last year, both on New Jazz.

I’ve been after this title for quite a while. I purchased a copy a couple of years ago but it had a skip, so back it went. Have been keeping an eye out for a long time. It seems that it’s not easy to get your hands on a copy. Not many nice original copies surfaces. My copy is in beautiful condition, both the vinyl and the jacket, so I’m a happy boy. It definitely is a title to have from the Impulse! catalogue. If you don’t have it yet, do yourself a favor and try and find a copy, any copy or pressing. This music is worth having for sure.

Some questions: Your take on this particular album? Other favorite Oliver Nelson albums? Also, we’re at the halfway point of the calendar year. Up to this point, what are some of your favorite acquisitions?

I’ve had some very good few months lately, where I’ve been able to add some new stuff to the collection. A lot of Blue Notes and this Nelson LP. Excited to share them here on the site with you guys, together with all the other titles I haven’t posted yet. So, stay tuned for more vintage jazz vinyl coming up.

Until next time, stay cool in the heat… cheers!

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