For one day In February 1961 the American jazz composer & saxophonist Oliver Nelson brought together an incredible lineup of improvisers to record his groundbreaking album The Blues and the Abstract Truth, released on the iconic Impulse! label.The solo’s of Dolphy, Hubbard, Nelson, Evans, and Chambers are electrifying but what also catches the attention is the way that the whole ensemble finds a unique identity through the exquisite and sublime compositions & arrangements of Oliver Nelson.
Here Delta has invited some of the UK’s leading arrangers who have all, in some way, been influential to the quartet’s own musical journey, to create their own soundscapes and grooves inspired by this classic 60’s release.
The results are spectacular. The combination of the quartets precision like ensemble with its virtuosic improvisatory skills has resulted in this unique musical set, which maintains the spirit of the original whilst opening new musical vistas for exploration. There’s a spellbinding version of Stolen Moments from the film composer Paul Englishby, a tight cinematic Cascades by TV/Film composer & MD of Gorillaz, Michael Smith, an arthouse Andriessen-esque rendition of Teenies Blues from Colin Smith (founder member of the DSQ), a zesty post be-bop reimagining of Butch and Butch by the up and become arranger George Shrapnell along with Adrian Revell’s brace of a low down bluesy Yearnin’ to his celebratory all foot stomping Hoe-Down!.
Now is the time to experience the next Delta Sax tour de force, buckle up for this uplifting musical romp of Blues _ Abstract _ Truth
