Oliver Nelson "The Blues And The Abstract Truth" (1961 – GRP)

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 form 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. “Stolen Moments” really needs no comments, as its undisputable beauty shines through in a three-part horn harmony fronting Hubbard’s lead melody. It’s a thing of beauty that is more timeless as the years pass. The “Blues” aspect is best heard on “Yearnin’,” a stylish, swinging, and swaying downhearted piece that is a bluesy as Evans would ever be. Both “Blues” and “Abstract Truth” combine for the darker “Teenie’s Blues,” a feature for Nelson  and Dolphy’s alto saxes, Dolphy assertive in stepping forth with his distinctive, angular, dramatic, fractured, brittle voice that marks him a maverick. Then there’s “Hoedown,” which has always been the black sheep of this collection with its country flavor and stereo separated upper and lower horn in snappy call-and-response barking. As surging and searing hard boppers respectively, “Cascades” and “Butch & Butch” again remind you of the era of the early ’60s when this music was king, and why Hubbard was so revered as a young master of the idiom. This CD is a must buy for all jazz collectors, and a Top Ten-Fifty favorite for many.
Michael G. Nastos  (All Music Guide)

Track listing:
1. Stolen Moments
2. Hoe-Down
3. Cascades
4. Yearnin’
5. Butch and Butch
6. Teenie’s Blues
(All tracks composed by Nelson.)

Personnel:
Oliver Nelson – Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Eric Dolphy – Alto Saxophone, Flute
George Barrow – Baritone Saxophone
Freddie Hubbard – Trumpet
Bill Evans – Piano
Paul Chambers – Bass
Roy Haynes – Drums

Original Release Date: February 23, 1961 – Label: GRP Records

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Bill Evans Trio: Waltz for Debby (1962, Ojc)

 

The gold standard by which all jazz piano trios are judged, Bill Evans’ legendary trio recordings at New York’s Village Vanguard on June 25, 1961 yielded both Sunday at the Village Vanguard and this album, Waltz for Debby. These recordings gained prominence not only for the seemingly effortless telepathy between Evans, drummer Paul Motian and bassist Scott LaFaro, but also for the unfortunate rarity of the trio itself – LaFaro was killed in a car accident just 10 days following these recordings.
And while Evans’ elegant, understated approach to the piano is front and center and unmistakably the glue that holds the music together (much in the same way that he made his mark with his contributions on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue), LaFaro’s bass lines are just as much of a treat for the ears to focus on. His note choices tended towards the higher end of the scale, and he frequently played outside the usual timekeeper role, acting as much a soloist as Evans and leaving more of the rhythmic duties to Motian. He more than carries his weight, and LaFaro’s extended solo section on the Davis tune “Milestones” caps the set off with a fabulous display of teamwork that plays like a rush of adrenaline after the pretty niceties of “My Foolish Heart” and Evans’ classic title track.

Tracklist:

1. My Foolish Heart

2. Waltz for Debby (Take 2)

3. Waltz for Debby (Take 1)

4. Detour Ahead (Take 2)

5. Detour Ahead (Take 1)

6. My Romance (Take 1)

7. My Romance (Take 2)

8. Some Other Time

9. Milestones

10. Porgy (I Loves You, Porgy)

Personnel:

Bill Evans (piano)

Scott LaFaro (bass)

Paul Motian (drums)

Original Release Date: June 25, 1961 – Label: Ojc

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Part 1     Part 2