Oliver Nelson - Black, Brown and Beautiful

The bulk of this CD has a 1970 session that teams together arranger Oliver Nelson, altoist Johnny Hodges and (on three of the songs) singer Leon Thomas. The big band also includes pianist Earl Hines and the program is highlighted by "Empty Ballroom Blues," "Welcome to New York" and "Creole Love Call"; all of the songs were composed by either Duke Ellington, Nelson or Thomas. That near-classic session is augmented by three numbers from a couple of later dates that feature Nelson's alto playing. Read More