The Jazz Show Episode April 10, 2017

Saxophone Master Oliver Nelson: "Main Stem" with Trumpet Ace Joe Newman

9:03pm - 12:30am

Saxophonist Oliver Nelson was a man for all musical seasons. He played all of the saxophones specializing in alto, tenor and later soprano saxophone. He was a masterful composer and arranger. Even though he recorded prolifically and was responsible for a few real classics, this session is a little bit overlooked. It is a well organized session as all Nelson's records are but with less emphasis on arrangements and more on blowing and getting it on. His partner on the front line is the dynamic and fiery trumpeter Joe Newman, a veteran of many big bands including the Basie Band. Nelson and Newman hit it off and they are backed superbly by the premier pianist of the time, Hank Jones. George Duvivier is on bass and Charlie Persip drives things along on drums. Ray Barretto adds his might to the rhythm section on congas. Ray swings and is never intrusive. Six tunes are presented. The Ellington title track kicks things off with a high energetic standard and the album ends with a relaxed version of the old standard "Tangerine" the rest are Nelson originals that bring out the best in all. Nelson plays mostly tenor saxophone here but does two tunes ("J&B" and "Latino") on alto. Main Stem is a knockout date and fun to listen to!

Track Listing:

Main Stem
Oliver Nelson · Main Stem
J&B
Oliver Nelson · Main Stem
Ho!
Oliver Nelson · Main Stem
Latino
Oliver Nelson · Main Stem
Tipsy
Oliver Nelson · Main Stem
Tangerine
Oliver Nelson · Main Stem
Spring Can Really Hang You The Most
Carmen McRae · Bittersweet
Talks
Carman McRae · Carmen in Person
The Ballad of Thelonious Monk
Carmen McRae · Carmen in Person
Body and Soul
Thelonious Monk · Monk at The Village Gate
Rhythm-in-ing
Thelonious Monk · Monk at the Village Gate
In Case You Missed It
The 29th Street Saxophone Quartet · The Real Deal
As Catch can
Gerry Mulligan · What is There To Say?
My Funny Valentine
Gerry Mulligan · What is There To Say?
Blueport
Gerry Mulligan · What is There To Say?
Utter Chaos
Gerry Mulligan · What is There To Say?
Idaho
Johnny Griffin/Bud Powell · Bud in Paris
Perdido
Johnny Griffin/Bud Powell · Bud in Paris
Brown Gold
Art Pepper · First Date.
These Foolish Things
Art Pepper · First Date
Surf Ride
Art Pepper · First Date
Holiday Flight
Art Pepper · First Date
Sillie Willie
Roy Haynes · The Hip Ensemble
Gaya
Gary Peacock/Ralph Towner · Oracle
Inside Inside
Gary Peacock/Ralph Towner · Oracle
Firm Roots
Horace Parlan · Blue Parlan.