Sunday, May 18, 2025

Oliver Nelson - The Argo, Verve and Impulse Big Band Studio Sessions [2006] (6 x CDs)

SUNDAY JAZZ

OLIVER NELSON

Oliver Nelson - The Argo, Verve and Impulse Big Band Studio Sessions [2006] (6 x CDs)

Oliver Nelson (1932-1975) was a visionary jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger whose influence on the genre remains profound. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelson began his musical journey as a pianist before transitioning to the saxophone. He studied music theory and composition at Washington University and Lincoln University, which laid the foundation for his innovative approach to jazz. Nelson's career flourished in the 1960s, with his groundbreaking album The Blues and the Abstract Truth cementing his reputation as a masterful composer and arranger. His ability to blend complex harmonies with accessible melodies made him a sought-after collaborator and a pivotal figure in jazz history.

The box set Oliver Nelson - The Argo, Verve and Impulse Big Band Studio Sessions [2006] is a testament to Nelson's genius, showcasing his work with three iconic labels: Argo, Verve, and Impulse. This collection spans his big band studio recordings, highlighting his exceptional talent for orchestration and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz. The set includes six CDs of meticulously remastered tracks, offering listeners a comprehensive look at Nelson's contributions to the big band genre.

Nelson's work on the Argo label features compositions like "Full Nelson" and "Hoe Down," which exemplify his knack for creating dynamic and engaging arrangements. These tracks are characterized by their intricate interplay between brass and woodwinds, as well as their rhythmic vitality. His Verve recordings, on the other hand, showcase his versatility, with pieces like "Hobo Flats" and "Teenie's Blues" blending elements of blues, swing, and modern jazz. These sessions reveal Nelson's ability to adapt his compositional style to suit different musical contexts while maintaining his distinctive voice.

The Impulse recordings in this box set are perhaps the most ambitious, reflecting Nelson's exploration of larger orchestral forms and his interest in social and political themes. Tracks like "The Rights of All" and "A Genuine Peace" demonstrate his commitment to using music as a medium for expression and change. These compositions are marked by their lush harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and powerful emotional resonance.

This box set offers a window into the mind of a true jazz innovator, whose work continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike. (B)

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Track lists

CD1

01 Oliver Nelson - Full Nelson 2:47

02 Oliver Nelson - Skokiaan 1:54

03 Oliver Nelson - Miss Fine 4:11

04 Oliver Nelson - Majorca 3:06

05 Oliver Nelson - Cool 4:55

06 Oliver Nelson - Back Woods 3:32

07 Oliver Nelson - Lila's Theme 3:55

08 Oliver Nelson - Ballad for Benny 2:36

09 Oliver Nelson - Hoe Down 2:50

10 Oliver Nelson - Paris Blues 2:57

11 Oliver Nelson - What Kind of Fool Am I 3:51

12 Oliver Nelson - You Love But Once 4:31

13 Oliver Nelson - Hobo Flats 4:12

14 Oliver Nelson - Post No Bills 5:28

15 Oliver Nelson - A Bientot 3:46

16 Oliver Nelson - Three Plus One 3:23

17 Oliver Nelson - Take Me With You 5:27

18 Oliver Nelson - Daylie's Double 4:00

19 Oliver Nelson - Teenie's Blues 4:07

20 Oliver Nelson - Laz-ie Kate 4:01


CD2

01 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - St. Louis Blues 6:11

02 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - I Remember Bird 6:28

03 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - Ricardo's Dilemma 2:34

04 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - Patterns for Orchestra 3:13

05 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - The Sidewalks of New York (aka East Side, West Side) 6:30

06 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - Greensleeves 2:28

07 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - John Brown's Blues 3:22

08 Leonard Feather's Encyclopedia of Jazz All Stars - Twelve Tone Blues 3:06

09 The Jazz Interactions Orchestra - A Typical Day in New York 4:45

10 The Jazz Interactions Orchestra - The East Side / The West Side 4:13

11 The Jazz Interactions Orchestra - 125th and Seventh Ave. 6:38

12 The Jazz Interactions Orchestra - A Penthouse Dawn 3:10

13 The Jazz Interactions Orchestra - One for Duke 5:26

14 The Jazz Interactions Orchestra - Complex City 8:10


CD3

01 Shirley Scott - Roll 'Em 4:08

02 Shirley Scott - For Dancers Only 3:43

03 Shirley Scott - Sophisticated Swing 2:51

04 Shirley Scott - Sometimes I'm Happy 3:54

05 Ray Brown; Milt Jackson - Lined With A Groove 5:31

06 Ray Brown; Milt Jackson - Lazy Theme 4:51

07 Ray Brown; Milt Jackson - Now Hear My Meaning 5:14

08 Ray Brown; Milt Jackson - In A Crowd 6:03

09 Oliver Nelson - Sound Piece for Jazz Orchestra 9:44

10 Oliver Nelson - Flute Salad 2:49

11 Oliver Nelson - The Lady From Girl Talk 4:59


CD4

01 Oliver Nelson - Let The Word Go Forth 6:16

02 Oliver Nelson - A Genuine Peace 2:37

03 Oliver Nelson - The Rights of All 3:57

04 Oliver Nelson - Tolerance 3:23

05 Oliver Nelson - The Artists' Rightful Place 3:29

06 Oliver Nelson - Jacqueline 2:15

07 Oliver Nelson - Day in Dallas 3:40

08 Oliver Nelson - John Kennedy Memory Waltz 3:23

09 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - Love is Just Around The Corner 2:50

10 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - This is It 2:18

11 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - Memories of You 3:12

12 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - Pee Wee's Blues 3:51

13 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - The Shadow of Your Smile 2:28

14 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - Ja-Da 3:46

15 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - A Good Man is Hard to Find 2:55

16 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - Bopol 2:58

17 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - I'm Coming Virginia 4:19

18 Pee Wee Russell; Oliver Nelson - Six and Four 3:39


CD5

01 Jimmy Smith - Walk on The Wild Side 5:55

02 Jimmy Smith - Ol' Man River 3:56

03 Jimmy Smith - In A Mellow Tone 4:25

04 Jimmy Smith - Step Right Up 4:13

05 Jimmy Smith - Hobo Flats 4:46

06 Jimmy Smith - Blueberry Hill 4:56

07 Jimmy Smith - Walk Right In 3:31

08 Jimmy Smith - Trouble in Mind 4:24

09 Jimmy Smith - The Preacher 6:15

10 Jimmy Smith - Meditation 3:06

11 Jimmy Smith - I Can't Stop Loving You 4:29

12 Jimmy Smith - Slaughter on Tenth Avenue 7:08

13 Jimmy Smith - Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff, part one 4:29

14 Jimmy Smith - Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff, part two 5:00


CD6

01 Jimmy Smith - The Bird / The Duck / The Cat / The Grandfather / The Wolf / The Hunter / Peter 4:10

02 Jimmy Smith - Duck Theme / Jimmy and The Duck / Peter's Theme / Meal Time 9:40

03 Jimmy Smith - Elegy for A Duck 7:17

04 Jimmy Smith - Cat in A Tree 5:23

05 Jimmy Smith - Capture of The Wolf 1:16

06 Jimmy Smith - Finale: Parade / Peter Plays Some Blues 4:48

07 Jimmy Smith - One Mint Julep 5:29

08 Jimmy Smith - Blues and The Abstract Truth 5:27

09 Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery - Down By The Riverside 10:01

10 Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery - Night Train 6:48

11 Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery - 13 (Death March) 5:22

12 Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery - Milestones 4:10

13 Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery - 'Round Midnight 7:19

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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6 comments:

  1. Thanks so much. I have been waiting for this. I have streamed it before but thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for this set.
    Cheers,
    Mike M

    ReplyDelete
  3. Big Oliver Nelson fan here! VERY interesting collection that includes several recording sessions with Nelson's involvement/orchestration that I was not aware of! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi albrecht koschnik.
      It pleases me that there is something new in this lot for you.
      That makes it a nice surprise for you.
      Cheers.

      Delete