One of the last sessions Oliver Nelson ever recorded – a genius batch of work recorded for the Japanese East Wind label, and maybe one of his greatest albums ever! The set's a wonderful link between the sophisticated large group sounds that Nelson did for Impulse Records in the 60s, and some of the more expansive styles he was trying out on the Flying Dutchman imprint in the 70s – a batch of work that both has that sense of majesty that Nelson could command at his best, but which still retains an earthy vibe overall. The group is great – with soulful work from Bobby Bryant on trumpet, Jerome Richardson on soprano sax and flute, Buddy Collette on tenor and flute, and Jack Nimitz on baritone – and the rhythm section has some great Fender Rhodes from Mike Wofford, given more push from the electric bass of Chuck Dominico, and some open-ended drum work from Shelly Manne. Titles include a wonderful remake of Nelson's "Stolen Moments", the groover "Mission Accomplished", and the tracks "St Thomas", "Three Seconds", and "Yearnin". CD

A unique little outing for Oliver Nelson – one that breaks him out of the familiar territory of the studio, and puts him in a much more spontaneous live setting! Nelson's playing soprano sax on the album – using the instrument in an edgey way that has echoes of Coltrane, yet which also fits in nicely with the usual Nelson groove – a fully soulful approach to a larger ensemble, heard famously on countless sessions for other artists in the 60s, but even better hear with Oliver at the helm! Other players on the record include Bobby Bryant, Tom Scott, Frank Strazzeri, Mel Brown, and Lou Blackburn – coming together with Nelson in a hip take on the west coast soul jazz groove of the time. Titles include Nelson's own "Miss Fine" and "Guitar Blues", plus lively versions of "Night Train" and "Milestones". CD

This is the kind of battle we like to see! Three heavy tenors – Nelson, King, and Jimmy Forrest – come head to head in a relaxed set of tunes cut in that Prestige blowing session mode, but tweaked with a bit more tightness, in the style of some of the label's emerging soul jazz sides of the 60s. Nelson's gutsy tenor will shock you if you haven't heard him in this sort of less restrained setting – and Forrest's work from this time is always a treat. Titles include "Blues For MF", "Anacruses", "Perdido", and "In Passing". Includes the bonus track "Soul Street". CD

One of the deepest albums that Count Basie ever recorded – thanks to some great arrangements and backings by Oliver Nelson! Nelson's working in the same groovy mode he used with Jimmy Smith's excellent Verve sessions – and although the record doesn't have the same sort of star soloist in the lead, the Basie band members do a great job of trading off solos over the enigmatic backings crafted by Nelson. A number of the tracks have a Latin flair – and work on electric bass grooves that push the set farther than the usual Basie outing of the time – with a flavor that's right up there with the hippest Nelson sessions for Flying Dutchman, and maybe even a bit like spiritual ensemble material too. Titles include versions of Albert Ayler's "Love Flower" and Pharoah Sanders' "Japan", plus originals by Nelson like "Afrique", "Kilimanjaro", and "African Sunrise". CD

One of the first larger concept albums from Oliver Nelson – and a set that really marked a strong step forward as a jazz arranger! The album is one long suite – as you might guess from the title – with righteous themes that deal not just with rising independence in postwar Africa, but also the Civil Rights struggle in the US – performed by a superb lineup that includes Jerry Dodgion on alto and flute, Eric Dixon on flute and tenor, Joe Neman and Ernie Royal on trumpets, Melba Liston and Billy Byers on trombones, Patti Brown on piano, Art Davis on bass, and Ray Barretto on congas. Nelson is fantastic too – and blows tenor and alto with some fantastic moments. Passages of the suite include "Disillusioned", "Freedom Dance", "Emancipation Blues", and "Jungleaire". CD

One of the all-time classics of early 60s mainstream jazz – and a beautiful record that showcases writing and arranging talents of Oliver Nelson! Nelson had been bumping around a variety of sessions before this one – as a leader, sideman, and arranger – but it was with this album that his true talents really unfolded – sparkling with a depth of imagination and expression that marked him as one of the greatest artists in 60s American jazz! The group on the set is an all-star sextet – featuring Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, and Freddie Hubbard – a disparate group of players who manage to come together with Nelson and find a unique voice that's rarely been duplicated again! The album features 6 fantastic compositions by Nelson, including "Stolen Moments", "Hoe Down", and "Yearnin". A fantastic record – and one that you can't go wrong with! LP, Vinyl record album

One of the all-time classics of early 60s mainstream jazz – and a beautiful record that showcases writing and arranging talents of Oliver Nelson! Nelson had been bumping around a variety of sessions before this one – as a leader, sideman, and arranger – but it was with this album that his true talents really unfolded – sparkling with a depth of imagination and expression that marked him as one of the greatest artists in 60s American jazz! The group on the set is an all-star sextet – featuring Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, and Freddie Hubbard – a disparate group of players who manage to come together with Nelson and find a unique voice that's rarely been duplicated again! The album features 6 fantastic compositions by Nelson, including "Stolen Moments", "Hoe Down", and "Yearnin". A fantastic record – and one that you can't go wrong with! CD

One of the all-time classics of early 60's mainstream jazz – and a beautiful record that showcases writing and arranging talents of Oliver Nelson! Nelson had been bumping around a variety of sessions before this one – as a leader, sideman, and arranger – but it was with this album that his true talents really unfolded – sparkling with a depth of imagination and expression that marked him as one of the greatest artists in 60s American jazz! The group on the set is an all-star sextet – featuring Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, and Freddie Hubbard – a disparate group of players who manage to come together with Nelson and find a unique voice that's rarely been duplicated again! The album features 6 fantastic compositions by Nelson, including "Stolen Moments", "Hoe Down", and "Yearnin". A fantastic record – and one that you can't go wrong with! CD

Excellent work from one of our favorite arrangers! Nelson was a super-hip super-soulful genius who crafted some of the best charts in the 60s. He managed to work in a great amount of jazz where other arrangers would leave things cold – and on a record like this he manages to make a large group swing really nicely in a very confined space. His own work on alto dominates the record, but the groups backing him up include Phil Woods, Jerome Richardson, Clark Terry, Romeo Penque, and Jimmy Raney – many of whom manage to sneak in some nice sharp solo moments. Titles include "Back Woods", "Full Nelson", "Skokiaan", "Majorca", "Miss Fine", "Paris Blues", and "Lilia's Theme". LP, Vinyl record album

Oliver Nelson never gets his due, and we can never understand why, because his talents as both an arranger and soloist are extremely strong. This nice 2 LP set brings together 2 albums that are bound to make a convert out of anyone who's been passing him up so far, and it shows a young Nelson in a small group with players like Richard Williams, Richard Wyands, Roy Haynes, and Eric Dolphy. You might be tempted to get the set for the Dolphy playing (which is great), but you'll be stunned when you realize how many times you'll be thinking you hear Dolphy going out, and then find out that it's actually Nelson. Great stuff, and with the cuts "Mama Lou", "Altoitis", "Three Seconds", "The Drive", and "111-44". Originally released as the albums Straight Ahead and Screamin' The Blues. LP, Vinyl record album

Oliver Nelson's follow-up to his classic Blues & The Abstract Truth session for Impulse – and like that one, a tremendous little album – filled with deep tones and wonderful colors in sound! The group here's a bit larger than before – an ensemble that includes Phil Woods on alto, Ben Webster on tenor, Thad Jones on trumpet, Pepper Adams on baritone, Roger Kellaway on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Grady Tate on drums. The album includes some superb original compositions by Nelson – just the kind of overlooked jazz numbers that make the set great – and as with most of his arrangements from the time, there's a perfect balance between group force and intimate solo space! Titles include "The Critic's Choice", "Blues & The Abstract Truth", "One For Bob", and 2 versions of Dave Brubeck's "Theme From Mr. Broadway". Also included are two bonus tracks- "One For Phil" and "Night Lights". CD

One of the most open-ended and laidback records ever from Oliver Nelson – a set that gets away from the tighter arrangements of other albums, and really lets you concentrate on his saxophone work! The album's got a really wonderful feel throughout – easygoing and soulful, with work by a sextet that includes Eric Dolphy on alto, Richard Williams on trumpet, and Richard Wyands on piano – all grooving beautifully with immaculate Rudy Van Gelder production – used here with a slightly echoey quality that really deepens the sound of the set! Nelson plays both alto and tenor sax – and titles include "Screamin The Blues", "Alto-It is", "The Meetin", "The Drive", "Three Seconds", and "March On March On". CD

One of the most open-ended and laidback records ever from Oliver Nelson – a set that gets away from the tighter arrangements of other albums, and really lets you concentrate on his saxophone work! The album's got a really wonderful feel throughout – easygoing and soulful, with work by a sextet that includes Eric Dolphy on alto, Richard Williams on trumpet, and Richard Wyands on piano – all grooving beautifully with immaculate Rudy Van Gelder production – used here with a slightly echoey quality that really deepens the sound of the set! Nelson plays both alto and tenor sax – and titles include "Screamin The Blues", "Alto-It is", "The Meetin", "The Drive", "Three Seconds", and "March On March On". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most impressive albums ever from arranger Oliver Nelson – a set that really shows the full depth of his mighty talents! Side one features Nelson working with a larger orchestra – similar to the kind of ensemble he arranged for other artists in the 60s, but handled here with an open, searching sort of sound – really impressive modern jazz elements on the title track, then some sweeter, warmer soul sounds on a few shorter numbers too! Nelson plays soprano sax, and his use of the instrument is definitely Coltrane-informed at times – and a nice change from his more familiar alto. The flipside features just a quartet – Oliver again on soprano sax – plus Steve Kuhn on piano, Ron Carter bass, and Grady Tate on drums. With Kuhn on piano, bringing a nice modern edge that works perfectly with the soprano. Titles include "Sound Piece For Jazz Orchestra", "Patterns", "Flute Salad", "The Lady From Girl Talk", and "Elegy For A Duck". CD

One of the last sessions Oliver Nelson ever recorded – a genius batch of work recorded for the Japanese East Wind label, and maybe one of his greatest albums ever! The set's a wonderful link between the sophisticated large group sounds that Nelson did for Impulse Records in the 60s, and some of the more expansive styles he was trying out on the Flying Dutchman imprint in the 70s – a batch of work that both has that sense of majesty that Nelson could command at his best, but which still retains an earthy vibe overall. The group is great – with soulful work from Bobby Bryant on trumpet, Jerome Richardson on soprano sax and flute, Buddy Collette on tenor and flute, and Jack Nimitz on baritone – and the rhythm section has some great Fender Rhodes from Mike Wofford, given more push from the electric bass of Chuck Dominico, and some open-ended drum work from Shelly Manne. Titles include a wonderful remake of Nelson's "Stolen Moments", the groover "Mission Accomplished", and the tracks "St Thomas", "Three Seconds", and "Yearnin". CD

Oliver Nelson is definitely taking care of business here – thanks to some key help from the great Lem Winchester on vibes, and a young Johnny Hammond Smith on organ! The pair bring a mighty deep groove to the record – which gives Nelson a chance to show off some of the deeper tones on his tenor and alto sax – a sound that gets a lot more space for personal expression than on some of his albums with larger arrangements! The raw sound of the record is a great change from the more composed modes you might know from Oliver's other dates – and the set's further illustration that Nelson was one of the most complete, most versatile talents in jazz at the time. Titles include "Trane Whistle", "In Time", "Groove", and "Lou's Good Dues". CD

Oliver Nelson is definitely taking care of business here – thanks to some key help from the great Lem Winchester on vibes, and a young Johnny Hammond Smith on organ! The pair bring a mighty deep groove to the record – which gives Nelson a chance to show off some of the deeper tones on his tenor and alto sax – a sound that gets a lot more space for personal expression than on some of his albums with larger arrangements! The raw sound of the record is a great change from the more composed modes you might know from Oliver's other dates – and the set's further illustration that Nelson was one of the most complete, most versatile talents in jazz at the time. Titles include "Trane Whistle", "In Time", "Groove", and "Lou's Good Dues". CD

Really beautiful work from Oliver Nelson – an album that has him blowing an alto sax with an incredible tone – one that almost feels like a soprano sax, and which really gets at Nelson's soulful side as a soloist. A few other tracks include tenor work, and the album features a core group that includes Richard Wyands on piano, George Duvivier on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums – plus guest vibes by Lem Winchester on a few tracks. The sound is nice and mellow – very soulful, in a sweet late nite mode that Nelson hardly ever recorded! Titles include "Nocturne", "Bob's Blues", "Man With A Horn", "Early Morning", and "Azur'te". CD

A great little record – very different than anything else that Hank Jones ever recorded! The album features arrangements by Oliver Nelson – done in that mod 60s pop-jazz style that he was using on his best work – and about half the record features Jones playing electric harpsichord, one of those groovy instruments that we can never get enough of! Needless to say, the combination of these two factors pushes the record far away from Jones' usual straight jazz piano trio approach – as does some tight added horn work, and an overall feel that's right up there with the grooviest sounds that Impulse or Verve had to offer in the 60s. Titles include "Broadwalk Samba", "Happenings", "Funky But Blues", "Fugue Time", "Jazztime USA", "Mas Que Nada", and "Cul De Sac". LP, Vinyl record album

One of Oliver Nelson's hippest albums – a bold statement of righteous energy, and a fantastic summation of all the genius he'd created during the 60s as an arranger for other people's records! The record is almost at a Duke Ellington level – a complex yet soulful suite of tracks for the post-60s years – complete with some sound effects of rioting and urban strife at the beginning, and a mix of modern, modal, and compositional styles that bursts out with pride and power that we wouldn't have heard in Nelson's music a decade before! The soloists are great – and the album features wonderful reed work from John Klemmer, Frank Strozier, and Nelson himself – on great original titles that include "Self Help Is Needed", "I Hope In Time A Change Will Come", "Requiem Afterthoughts", "Lamb Of God", and "Martin Was A Man A Real Man". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the all-time classics of early 60s mainstream jazz – and a beautiful record that showcases writing and arranging talents of Oliver Nelson! Nelson had been bumping around a variety of sessions before this one – as a leader, sideman, and arranger – but it was with this album that his true talents really unfolded – sparkling with a depth of imagination and expression that marked him as one of the greatest artists in 60s American jazz! The group on the set is an all-star sextet – featuring Paul Chambers, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Roy Haynes, and Freddie Hubbard – a disparate group of players who manage to come together with Nelson and find a unique voice that's rarely been duplicated again! The album features 6 fantastic compositions by Nelson, including "Stolen Moments", "Hoe Down", and "Yearnin". A fantastic record – and one that you can't go wrong with! LP, Vinyl record album

Tracks include "St. Louis Blues", "Complex City", "One For Duke", "Ricardo's Dilemma", "Ballad For Benny", and "Full Nelson" – 16 tracks total. CD

Oliver Nelson's follow-up to his classic Blues & The Abstract Truth session for Impulse – and like that one, a tremendous little album – filled with deep tones and wonderful colors in sound! The group here's a bit larger than before – an ensemble that includes Phil Woods on alto, Ben Webster on tenor, Thad Jones on trumpet, Pepper Adams on baritone, Roger Kellaway on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Grady Tate on drums. The album includes some superb original compositions by Nelson – just the kind of overlooked jazz numbers that make the set great – and as with most of his arrangements from the time, there's a perfect balance between group force and intimate solo space! Titles include "The Critic's Choice", "Blues & The Abstract Truth", "One For Bob", and 2 versions of Dave Brubeck's "Theme From Mr. Broadway". Also included are two bonus tracks- "One For Phil" and "Night Lights". CD

One of the great albums that Pee Wee Russell recorded for Impulse during the late 60's, when they brought him back for some great comeback LPs in a number of different settings. This one has him playing as the main soloist with Oliver Nelson's orchestra. As with most of Nelson's work from the 60's, the arrangements are fresh, inspired, and leave lots of room for soloing. Russell's tone is fantastic, and it's no surprise that he's been named as an influence by a number of important reed players. Not trad stuff really, but more some swingin large band stuff, with nice pinched clarinet solos. Tracks include "This Is It", "Six & Four", "Pee Wee's Blues", and "Bopol". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the few albums ever cut by Ernie Wilkins as a leader – despite his presence as an arranger on countless jazz sessions of the 50s and 60s! Ernie's got a real flair for a tight bounce at the bottom and unusual horn formations at the top – a style that reminds us a lot of Oliver Nelson at his best, and which, like Nelson, often comes across with a more soulful approach than most of his contemporaries! The Wilkins groove is often playful, but never over-indulgent – joyously reveling in its own sharpness, but open enough to let the strong talents in the group do their own thing. Titles include "The Continental", "Broadway", "Gone With The Wind", "Baubles Bangles & Beads", "Somebody Loves Me", "All Of You", and "Gone With The Wind". LP, Vinyl record album

One of Joe's excellent albums from the 60s for RCA – set to backings from Jimmy Jones and Oliver Nelson, both of whom nicely update Joe's sound for the 60s! The tunes are mostly older numbers that recall Joe's earlier years, particularly those with Basie – but the arrangements are a bit fresher, and more 60s-swinging, which makes for a nice change of pace. Titles include "Me & The Blues", "Every Night", "Rocks In My Bed", "Workin", "Soothe Me", "Early In The Morning", and "A Woman". LP, Vinyl record album

A beautiful set of modal jazz tracks – recorded by the great LA pianist Jack Wilson with a young Roy Ayers! The set is amazing, and features haunting piano and vibes interplay between Ayers and Wilson – in a style that could best be summed up as LA modern modal, but which is also embellished by lots warm, lyrical twists by both of the soloists. The title cut is a totally groovy workout on Ornette Coleman's "Ramblin", and the rest of the set includes Coltrane's "Impressions", Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments", Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder", and a great 3-part reading of "The Sandpiper". One of our favorite albums from the 60's, and a beautiful document of one of the lesser-known streams of jazz that was coming out of the west coast during the time – and it's key proof that Ayers was an incredible jazz player in his years before moving to soul music! LP, Vinyl record album

Detroit vibist Lem Winchester cut too few albums in his brief career before his untimely death in the early 60s – but all of them are plenty darn great, and rank right up there with the best work of the period by Johnny Lytle or Freddie McCoy! Although not as all-out funky as fellow Detroiter Lytle, Winchester did play in a style that was down and dirty, with a tight groove that still appeals to soul jazz fanatics and jazzy steppers here in Chicago. This album's one of his best, and features some very rootsy tenor work by Oliver Nelson, plus some excellent alto solos by Curtis Peagler, who at the time was working with the obscure group The Modern Jazz Disciples. Art Taylor's on drums, and the whole set snaps right in the pocket with a deep soul jazz groove! The best tracks are nice and long, and titles include "Eddy's Dilemma", "Lem & Aide", "Lady Day", and "Your Last Chance". CD

Spiritual sounds from the source – a host of incredible tracks from a time when jazz was really opening up into new dimensions – as players stepped forward in a wave of strong post-Coltrane energy to really push the music into the skies! The music here can be seen as a blueprint for generations to come – styles that are now getting new fame in the hands of Kamasi Washington and some of his contemporaries, but which flowered first in recordings like these – pulled from the early 70s vaults of Prestige, Milestone, and Muse Records – and brought together here in a really wonderful collection! Tracks are all nice and long, and the set showcases an older generation of jazz musicians really flowering at the time – balanced perfectly between a sense of freedom and a spiritual soul – on titles that include "Celestial Blues" by Gary Bartz NTU Troop, "Let Us Go To Higher Heights" by Carlos Garnett, "The Almoravid" by Joe Chambers, "Brown Eyes" by Charles Earland, "Warriors Of Peace" by Azar Lawrence, "Aftermath" by Oliver Nelson, "Josie Black" by Hampton Hawes, "Let It Take Your Mind" by Bayete Umbra Zindiko, "Fire" by Joe Henderson and Alice Coltrane, and "The Free Slave" by Roy Brooks. LP, Vinyl record album

Excellent work from the glory days of Impulse Records – tracks from sessions for the label's most famous albums, but never issued until this special package! We're not normally ones to dig various artists collections in jazz, but this series is wonderful – an essential counterpart to the main records on Impulse, and filled with work that really offers a fresh look at the musicians. This 2nd volume is a bit more mainstream than some of the others, but still quite nice – and titles include "Gloria" by JJ Johnson, "Dear Old Stockholm" by John Coltrane, "Anything I Do" by Tommy Flanagan, "Moon Over My Annie" by Lionel Hampton, "The Blues Ain't Nothin But Some Pain" by Shirley Scott, and "Night Lights" by Oliver Nelson. LP, Vinyl record album

Funky nuggets galore – and a fair bit of righteous numbers too – all brought together in celebration of one of the hippest record labels of the early 70s! Flying Dutchman was around for just a bit over five years – yet during that time, the label recorded all sorts of really wonderful music – a mixture of jazz, soul, funk, and other styles that really helped push the envelope at the time – as it took the torch from older labels like Impulse or Prestige, and really continued a big wave of new sounds and groovily experimental music! You'll no doubt recognize some of the cuts here – but the collection does a great job of digging deeper past the Flying Dutchman hits – bringing together some real surprises that showcase the way that the company was trying so many cool things at once, and creating music that's still the stuff of legends many years later. Titles include "Head Start" by Bob Thiele Emergency, "Peaceful Man" by Esther Marrow, "Mama Soul" by Harold Alexander, "Soulful Strut" by Steve Allen, "Heavy Soul Slinger" by Pretty Purdie, "Echoes" by Leon Thomas, "See Saw Affair" by Cesar, "Expansions" by Lonnie Liston Smith, "Bolivia" by Gato Barbieri, "125th Street & 7th Ave" by Oliver Nelson, "Whitey On The Moon" by Gil Scott-Heron, "Echoes" by Leon Thomas, and "Lament For John Coltrane (take 1)" by Bob Thiele. CD

Music from James Moody, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Red Garland Trio, John Coltrane, Gene Ammons, Oliver Nelson, Eric Dolphy, Dexter Gordon, Pat Martino, and more. CD

A key early album from the young Cannonball Adderley – an a set that crossed over big, thanks to a mix of strong jazz solos from the leader and very inventive rhythms in the arrangements! The group here is larger than Adderley's usual quintet/sextet lineup – and includes reed work from Oliver Nelson and Jerome Richardson, trombone from Melba Liston, piano from Wynton Kelly, and even a bit of congas from Ray Barretto – all working under the hip leadership of Ernie Wilkins, who crafts these great charts for Cannon to solo over the top! A key moment of genius is the title track – a beautiful reading of Galt MacDermott's "African Waltz" – and other tracks include "Blue Brass Groove", "Something Different", "The Uptown", and "Letter From Home". LP, Vinyl record album

Four sides of rare Red Garland material – recorded during his prime years at Prestige, but issued here for the first time! Players include Ray Barretto on congas, Paul Chambers on bass, Oliver Nelson on alto, Richard Williams on trumpet, and Charlie Persip and Art Taylor on drums! LP, Vinyl record album

A great lost slice of work from the early 60s – with Hodges on alto, and Lalo Schifrin on piano and Barry Galbraith on guitar – a pretty groovy small group, here in a nice double bill with the Oliver Nelson arranged Eleventh Hour! CD

Hard swinging orchestral session that's basically an Oliver Nelson project – and it's one of his best, we might add! The "Jazzhattan Suite" is a suite of tracks written as a tribute to New York. Titles of passages include "The East Side/The West Side", "125th & 7th Ave", and "Penthouse Dawn" – if that gives you any hint. Nelson's writing is impeccable, as always, and although the group is fairly large, he gets them to swing in the way that he did on his best work with folks like Jimmy Smith or Lou Donaldson. Players include Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Ron Carter, Patti Brown, and Joe Newman (who also did a bit of the conducting). Groovy stuff, and like finding a hip jazzy soundtrack! LP, Vinyl record album

Thelonious Monk meets the mighty Oliver Nelson – the hip bigger band arranger who was helping so many other artists find their groove back in the 60s! The result is less Nelson-led than some of Oliver's other albums of the time – and instead, the arranger is nicely respectful of Monk's core sound – and still manages to led Thelonious keep the frontline strong on piano, and work with familiar players are the core who include Charlie Rouse on tenor, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. Nelson's touch seeks mostly to augment the Monkish lines with some larger horn shadings – sometimes a bit upbeat, but never more swinging than Monk might want. There's enough of a blue tone here to keep this one nicely in line with the rest of the 60s Columbia catalog for Thelonious – and titles include "Monk's Point", "Consecutive Seconds", "Let's Cool One", and "Rootie Tootie". LP, Vinyl record album

Thelonious Monk meets the mighty Oliver Nelson – the hip bigger band arranger who was helping so many other artists find their groove back in the 60s! The result is less Nelson-led than some of Oliver's other albums of the time – and instead, the arranger is nicely respectful of Monk's core sound – and still manages to led Thelonious keep the frontline strong on piano, and work with familiar players are the core who include Charlie Rouse on tenor, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. Nelson's touch seeks mostly to augment the Monkish lines with some larger horn shadings – sometimes a bit upbeat, but never more swinging than Monk might want. There's enough of a blue tone here to keep this one nicely in line with the rest of the 60s Columbia catalog for Thelonious – and titles include "Monk's Point", "Consecutive Seconds", "Let's Cool One", and "Rootie Tootie". CD features 2 bonus tracks – "Blue Monk" and "Round Midnight". CD

One of Wes Montgomery's grooviest albums on Verve – a set that features his smooth chromatic work on guitar set to lively arrangements from Oliver Nelson! Nelson gives the set more of a "punch" than some of Montgomery's other Verve records – and the style uses a tight brace of brass and woodwinds as the backdrop for Montgomery's moody solo work. The tracks have a nice edgey quality, but also maintain a smooth stepping quality as well – and Wes' tone, as always, is sublime! Titles include "Golden Earrings", "Twisted Blues", "O Morro", "Boss City", and "Naptown Blues". CD

Although he was the consummate high-class hipster at the start of his career, for some reason Jimmy Smith seemed to hit a forced sort of rootsy style about halfway through his years at Verve. The style worked well for him, even if it sometimes languished in bluesy tones that seemed a bit forced – and on this album, his basic trio of Grady Tate and Kenny Burrell are augmented by arrangements by Oliver Nelson. Nelson keeps things from getting too hokey, and Jimmy's organ lines are free and sharp on the best cuts. Titles include "Mustard Greens", "Hobson's Hop", "Got My Mojo Workin", and "High Heel Sneakers". Jimmy pays tribute to an earlier generation of R&B – in a hard-wailing set of soul jazz, done with backings from the legendary Oliver Nelson! A few tracks feature vocals by Jimmy, in a rough bluesy style, and others have some harmonica by Buddy Lucas – in a raspy, hard-wailing mode that still fits in nicely with the jazzier style of the album. Jimmy's organ is right up front on most numbers – recorded with that full, dynamic sound that makes so many of his Verve albums a treasure – and the best numbers have a more contemporary 60s groove alongside the older bluesy roots. Grady Tate plays drums – surprisingly funky at times – and other players include Melba Liston and Tom McIntosh on trombones, Billy Butler on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on Fender bass, and Joe Newman on trumpet. Titles include "Hi Heel Sneakers", "TNT", "Boom Boom", "Ain't That Just Like A Woman", and "One Mint Julep". CD

A real treasure, and a record that may well be our favorite Jimmy Smith album for Verve – a masterful meeting of his smoking Hammond work with some swingingly sophisticated arrangements by Oliver Nelson and Claus Ogerman! Both Nelson and Ogerman bring a fuller spectrum of horn work to the album than heard on other Smith sides of the time – using an almost orchestral approach to the backings, one that pushes Jimmy even further into the stratosphere as he solos madly on the organ! But don't think that the larger backings are clunky at all – because they're not – and there's a surprisingly deep soul to all the proceedings on the album, making it one of the tightest, grooviest, and deeply soulful records that Jimmy cut after leaving Blue Note! The LP includes two very long cuts – killer versions of "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Wolf" and "Slaughter On 10th Avenue" – plus shorter takes on "Bluesette", "Women Of The World", and "Wives & Lovers" that are all plenty amazing too! LP, Vinyl record album

2 of Joe's best records of the 60s! At Newport is a nicely relaxed live set has Joe hitting a very soulful groove – one that's much more open than on some of his studio albums, which are often far too cluttered to swing. Backing is by an all-star group that includes Coleman Hawkins, Junior Mance, and Zoot Sims – and Joe is in fantastic small combo company, really letting loose on tracks that include "Gravy Waltz", "Come Back Baby", "April In Paris", "Some Of This N Some Of That", and "She's Warm, She's Willing, She's Wonderful". Jump For Joy is a studio session – with arrangement by Jimmy Jones and Oliver Nelson, two talents who again bring out the best in Joe – a groovy and soulful sound that's often not captured as easily on record. Titles on that one include "Sounds Of The Night", "My Last Affair", "Jump For Joy", "It's A Wonderful World", and "You Perfect Stranger". CD

Music from Dizzy Gillespie, Chico Hamilton, Quincy Jones & His Orchestra, Oliver Nelson, Shirley Horn, Gabor Szabo, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Gato Barbieri, Keith Jarrett, and more. CD

A key meeting of Cannonball Adderley and David Axelrod – and one of the pair's first larger collaborations together! The album features Cannonball solos over larger backings by Oliver Nelson – with some occasional help from brother Nat Adderley – all produced with that dark Axelrod edge that we love so much from the Capitol years. The tunes have just the right amount of space to keep things interesting – but also enough soul to link the work nicely to the other Adderley albums of the time. Nelson himself brings in some captivating modern moments to the set – and titles include "Interlude", "Mystified", "Gon Gong", "Shake A Lady", and "Introduction To A Samba". CD also features the extended bonus track "Experience In E" – recorded in 1970 with arrangements by William Fischer! CD

The brain trust of soul jazz in the early 60s – led by tenorist Gene Ammons on both albums! Soul Summit Volume one features Ammons and Sonny Stitt on tenor, plus Jack McDuff on Hammond – a definite soul summit for the time – with 3 top-shelf players in the lead, all getting plenty of room to do their thing! Both Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt are on tenor in the front, working with the respect and confidence they'd forged together on other co-led sessions from the time – and Jack McDuff's a great addition to the set, playing Hammond with his newly-lean tone, and really helping things move along nicely. Drummer Charlie Persip has a nicely booming style here – one that gets the group out of the box from the get-go, and McDuff's handling all the bass work on the organ, which always makes for a tight rhythmic romp! Most tunes are in that great raw Prestige mode from the old days, as you'd guess by titles like "Tubby", "Dumplin", and "Shuffle Twist" – alongside other numbers that include "Sleeping Susan" and "Out In The Cold Again". Soul Summit Vol 2 is a set that's less a "summit" than a great collection of groovy work for Prestige Records in the 60s – tracks that didn't make it onto other full albums of the time, but which feature material by some of the most soulful talents on the label! Tenorist Gene Ammons is the main star here – stretching out wonderfully on most numbers on the record – although the set also features added tenor work from Red Holloway, George Barrow, and Harold Vick! The mighty Jack McDuff lends his Hammond to a few tunes, Etta Jones sings on three numbers, and the record even features trumpet from Clark Terry, alto from Oliver Nelson, and congas from Ray Barretto too – on cuts that include "Scram", "Cool Cool Daddy", "Ballad For Baby", "If You Are But A Dream", "But Not For Me", and "Love I've Found You". CD

One of the funkiest records ever recorded for Impulse – and the debut set by guitarist Mel Brown! Mel has a really down-and-dirty style that's quite unusual for the label at the time – a rootsy approach to guitar that's steeped in equal parts jazz, soul, and R&B – and which comes across with a raw power and tasty feel that's perfectly summed up by titles like "Chicken Fat", "Greasy Spoon", "Home James", "Slalom", and "Shanty"! The album features some rare organ work by Gerald Wiggins, drums by Paul Humphrey, and outta-site soul arrangements by Oliver Nelson on a few tracks – but through the whole thing, Brown's the main focus – laying down some deeply funky work on guitar! LP, Vinyl record album

A hip batch of tunes that features some sweetly soulful arrangements from Wilkins! Ernie's on both alto and tenor, and really helps shape the sound of the set with his imaginative charts – well-penned arrangements that kind of offer bridge between Count Basie's work of a few years past, and some of the leaner, groovier styles that would emerge in the 60s work of Quincy Jones or Oliver Nelson. Other players include Eddie Bert on trombone, George Barrow on tenor, Cecil Payne on baritone sax, Hank Jones on piano, and Wendell Marshall on bass – plus Kenny Clarke on drums, of course – and titles include "Cute Tomato", "Pru's Bloose", "I Dig You The Most", "Summer Evening", and "Oz The Wizard". LP, Vinyl record album

Includes sessions for such legends as Charles Mingus, Cannonball Adderley, Chet Baker, Michel Legrand, Helen Merrill and the Danish trombonist Kai Winding; for progressive composer / arrangers such as George Russell, Earl Zindars, Bill Potts, Oliver Nelson and Tadd Dameron, and in collaboration with technicians of the calibre of Jim Hall, Freddie Hubbard, Shelly Manne and Bob Brookmeyer. CD

A beautiful set of tracks that features Art Farmer soloing on flugelhorn over larger arrangements by Oliver Nelson. Farmer's work on the instrument was just taking shape at this point in his career, and the soulful backings of Nelson are a really great match for his lyrical tone, and widening sense of expression. Tracks are longer and more complicated than you'd expect – and the set's got some great numbers, like "Naima", "Rue Prevail", "Rain Check", and "Ruby". LP, Vinyl record album

Unreleased work including four trio tracks – plus three quintet numbers with Richard Williams on trumpet and Oliver Nelson on alto and tenor sax! CD

A great set of straight jazz vocals from Kimiko Kasai – a singer who could sometimes work in soul-based modes, but who steps out here in a wonderful batch of classic-styled jazz tunes! The album's directed by Oliver Nelson, but the backing is by a small combo that features Joe Sample on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums – a great group who move in subtle, soulful ways that make the record one of Kimiko's best in this format! Titles include "For Once In My Life", "Moody's Mood For Love", "Get Out Of Town", "Too Close For Comfort", "Mistreated Blues", and "Sometimes I'm Happy". LP, Vinyl record album

Killer large group material from Hammond giant Brother Jack McDuff – a set that hints at some of the more unusual settings he would explore at the end of the 60s! Arrangements here are by Benny Golson – who does a great job of kicking up the groove for the core McDuff quartet – that great lineup that features a young George Benson on guitar, Red Holloway on tenor, and the mighty Joe Dukes on drums! The record's a bit inspired by some of the Jimmy Smith sessions with Oliver Nelson, but comes off in a very different way – thanks to the soulful swing of the Golson backings, and the always-great sense of tone and timing from Jack. Titles include "Rail Head", "Bossa Nova West", "Pink Panther", and "Once In A Lifetime". LP, Vinyl record album

First albim is great early work from Gary McFarland – much more serious than some of his whimsical bossa sides, but also a stunning example of the depths of his talents! The group on the session isn't really an "orchestra" – just a combo with Gary on vibes, Bill Evans on piano, Jim Hall on guitar, Phil Woods and Spencer Sinatra on reeds – plus some added strings. The tracks have the fragility of some of the collaborations between Bill Evans and Jim Hall – but also a bit more swing and space at times, and a wonderfully chromatic edge from McFarland's vibes! The feel's a bit like some of the work done by Gary over at Impulse – and titles include "Reflections In The Park", "Night Images", "Peachtree", "Tree Patterns", and "A Moment Alone". How To Succeed In Business Without Really trying is a very swingin' instrumental version of the score to this goofy musical, arranged and conducted by Gary McFarland, with a batch of players like Clark Terry, Oliver Nelson, Phil Woods, and Joe Newman – so you know the whole thing's tight and groovy. Includes nice renditions of "Grand Old Ivy", "Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm", and "Paris Original". CD

A Basie tribute, but a really smoking one – thanks to some hard swinging arrangements from Manny Albam, and plenty of heavy Hammond from the great Jimmy McGriff! The tracks are mostly numbers from the Count Basie songbook of the 50s and 60s, but they're strongly reworked here with a swinging 60s vibe – played with lots of strong horn work in the background, all used as a perfect foil for Jimmy's leaner organ solos over the top! The style's quite similar to other big band organ work of the time – particularly records made by Jimmy Smith in collaboration with Oliver Nelson, or Jack McDuff with Benny Golson – and McGriff's organ comes through nice and clean in the mix, with that sharply fluttering sound that really made him one of the true standouts of the 60s. Titles include "Hob Nail Boogie", "Cute", "Every Day", "Blues Go Away", and "Slow But Sure". CD

An excellent album from Carmen McRae – one of her hippest records ever, and a great set of vocal gems that often gets overlooked! Arrangements are by Benny Carter, Shorty Rogers, and Oliver Nelson – and the album's got a swinging groovy style that pushes Carmen past her straighter jazz vocal roots – into some hiply sophisticated territory that really shows her growing as a singer in the 60s. The album kicks off with an amazing reading of Tommy Wolf's "I'm Always Drunk In San Francisco", done by Carmen in a way that makes you know she owns the song – and then it moves through a compelling blend of compositions that includes "My Very Own Person", "Ask Any Woman", "Boy, Do I Have A Surprise For You", and "Elusive Butterfly". LP, Vinyl record album

One of Wes Montgomery's grooviest albums on Verve – a set that features his smooth chromatic work on guitar set to lively arrangements from Oliver Nelson! Nelson gives the set more of a "punch" than some of Montgomery's other Verve records – and the style uses a tight brace of brass and woodwinds as the backdrop for Montgomery's moody solo work. The tracks have a nice edgey quality, but also maintain a smooth stepping quality as well – and Wes' tone, as always, is sublime! Titles include "Golden Earrings", "Twisted Blues", "O Morro", "Boss City", and "Naptown Blues". CD

On the one hand, our jazz snob side wonders why Diana Ross would be picked to star as Billie Holiday, but on the other, it makes perfect sense, as this soundtrack to the film was made during the early 70s, when she was at the top of her career, and one of the highest profile female soul singers. And she acquits herself quite well, with a solid performance that's more than respectable, helped along the way by sympathetic orchestral arrangements from Benny Golson and Oliver Nelson. While we may not turn to this recording over any of Billie's originals, it's a pretty remarkable turning point for Diana, establishing her "diva" status and helping to launch her solo career to new heights. 35 numbers in all, though many of them are dialogue or musical bits lifted from the film. Includes "All Of Me", "the Man I Love", "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do", "Fine & Mellow", "You've Changed", "My Man", "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless The Child". CD

On the one hand, our jazz snob side wonders why Diana Ross would be picked to star as Billie Holiday, but on the other, it makes perfect sense, as this soundtrack to the film was made during the early 70s, when she was at the top of her career, and one of the highest profile female soul singers. And she acquits herself quite well, with a solid performance that's more than respectable, helped along the way by sympathetic orchestral arrangements from Benny Golson and Oliver Nelson. While we may not turn to this recording over any of Billie's originals, it's a pretty remarkable turning point for Diana, establishing her "diva" status and helping to launch her solo career to new heights. 34 numbers in all, though many of them are dialogue or musical bits lifted from the film. Includes "All Of Me", "the Man I Love", "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do", "Fine & Mellow", "You've Changed", "My Man", "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless The Child". LP, Vinyl record album

Shirley Scott on organ with Kenny Burrell, Arnett Cobb, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, George Duvivier, Arthur Edgehil, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Haynes, Oliver Nelson, Joe Newman, Jerome Richardson, Buddy Tate, Stanley Turrentine, Lem Winchester, and others. CD

The Temptations in a mellow mood, but one that's still plenty darn swinging – thanks to some jazzy arrangements from HB Barnum, Oliver Nelson, and Don Costa! The groove here is more in a vocal group mode from years past – Temptations harmonies turned more towards standards and crossover classics – but there's still an undeniable Motown sound going on too, thanks to the vocal range of the group, and the way they handle these tunes! Titles include "A Taste Of Honey", "For Once In My Life", "Try To Remember", "The Impossible Dream", and "That's Life". CD