The Blues And The Abstract Truth

The Blues and the Abstract Truth (1961) remains Oliver Nelson's most acclaimed album and features a line-up of top-class musicians: Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, Roy Haynes, and George Barrow. The album is often noted for its unique ensemble arrangements and is frequently identified as a progenitor of Nelson's move towards arranging later in his career. It includes the iconic version of Nelson's all-time classic "Stolen Moments".

Reviewer Michael G. Nastos gave it the maximum rating of 5 stars in AllMusic, stating the album is "a must buy for all jazz fans, and a Top Ten or Top Fifty favourite for many." This special edition includes, as a bonus, Nelson's original version of "Stolen Moments", recorded the previous year as "The Stolen Moment."

Oliver Nelson alto & tenor sax, Eric Dolphy alto sax & flute, Freddie Hubbard trumpet (out on B3), George Barrow baritone sax, Bill Evans piano, Paul Chambers bass, Roy Haynes drums.