Oliver Nelson Sound Pieces

Sound Pieces Review

 

by Scott Yanow

Sound Pieces features Oliver Nelson in two very different settings. Although best-known as an altoist and a tenor saxophonist, Nelson sticks exclusively to soprano throughout the set. He leads a 20-piece big band on three of his compositions which, although interesting, are not overly memorable. Best are five other numbers (two of which were originally issued on the record Three Dimensions) that showcase Nelson's soprano playing with a quartet that includes pianist Steve Kuhn, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Grady Tate. Although one would not think of Nelson as a soprano stylist, his strong playing actually put him near the top of his field on such numbers as "The Shadow of Your Smile," "Straight No Chaser," and his own "Patterns."

Oliver Nelson | Sound Pieces

1 Sound Piece For Jazz Orchestra 00:00 2 Flute Salad 09:40 3 The Lady From Girl Talk 12:28 4 The Shadow Of Your Smile 17:23 5 Patterns 27:08 6 Elegy For A Duck 33:27 7 Straight No Chaser 39:51 8 Example 78 49:02

Tracks: 1 to 3 Oliver Nelson - soprano saxophone, arranger, conductor John Audino, Bobby Bryant (#1-2), Conte Candoli, Ollie Mitchell, Al Porcino (#3) - trumpet Mike Barone, Billy Byers (#3), Richard Leith, Dick Noel (#1-2), Ernie Tack - trombone Bill Hinshaw, Richard Perissi - French horn Red Callender - tuba Gabe Baltazar - alto saxophone, clarinet, alto flute Bill Green - piccolo, flute, alto flute, alto saxophone Plas Johnson - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute Jack Nimitz - baritone saxophone, bass clarinet Mike Melvoin - piano Ray Brown – bass Shelly Manne – drums Tracks 4-8 Oliver Nelson - soprano saxophone Steve Kuhn - piano Ron Carter – bass Grady Tate – drums Recorded: September 7, 27-28, 1966