Oliver Nelson - 1975 - Stolen Moments

Oliver Nelson 

1975 

Stolen Moments

01. Stolen Moments 7:46

02. St. Thomas 3:57

03. Three Seconds 6:27

04. Mission Accomplished 6:30

05. Midnight Blue 4:10

06. Yearnin' 6:23

07. Straight, No Chaser 0:38

Alto Saxophone, Arranged By – Oliver Nelson

Baritone Saxophone – Jack Nimitz

Drums – Shelly Manne

Electric Bass – Chuck Domanico

Piano, Electric Piano – Mike Wofford

Soprano Saxophone, Piccolo Flute, Flute – Jerome Richardson

Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Buddy Collette, Bobby Bryant Jr.

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bobby Bryant

Recorded March 6, 1975 at Sunset-Highland Recording Studios T. T. G. inc., L. A.

One of the last sessions Oliver Nelson ever recorded – a genius batch of work recorded for the Japanese East Wind label, and maybe one of his greatest albums ever! The set's a wonderful link between the sophisticated large group sounds that Nelson did for Impulse Records in the 60s, and some of the more expansive styles he was trying out on the Flying Dutchman imprint in the 70s – a batch of work that both has that sense of majesty that Nelson could command at his best, but which still retains an earthy vibe overall. The group is great – with soulful work from Bobby Bryant on trumpet, Jerome Richardson on soprano sax and flute, Buddy Collette on tenor and flute, and Jack Nimitz on baritone – and the rhythm section has some great Fender Rhodes from Mike Wofford, given more push from the electric bass of Chuck Dominico, and some open-ended drum work from Shelly Manne.

This LP contains Oliver Nelson's final recording as a leader, cut just seven months before his premature death. Happily Nelson (on alto) is well-featured with a nonet, playing four of his compositions (including "Stolen Moments" and "Yearnin'") along with versions of "St. Thomas," Neal Hefti's "Midnight Blue" and a very brief "Straight No Chaser." In addition to Nelson, the group includes trumpeter Bobby Bryant, Jerome Richardson on soprano and flute, three other saxophonists and keyboardist Mike Wofford. A fine finish to a much-too-brief life.