Impulse!, 1961
Even if Oliver Nelson had only ever written the majestic "Stolen Moments" he'd be a heavyweight, but that's just the opening track of this all-time classic album. This is where Nelson reveals the astonishing skills as composer and arranger that would come to dominate his career; with a collection of deep blues and hard bop swingers draped in lush, luxuriant arrangements and played by a world-class band. Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard is on fire throughout, Eric Dolphy is a quirky wild card on alto sax and flute, and Bill Evans is sophistication personified at the piano. It doesn't get much better.
Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.
Side A
Side B
