What makes More Blues and the Abstract Truth by Oliver Nelson notable?

This album is notable for its innovative fusion of blues and jazz that influenced subsequent generations of musicians. It received critical acclaim upon release, including praise from influential jazz critics, and features compositions that became standards within the genre. Released in 1965, More Blues and the Abstract Truth was Oliver Nelson's follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Blues and the Abstract Truth. By this point, Nelson had established himself as a prominent arranger and composer in the jazz world, blending complex harmonies with engaging melodies, which is evident in this album's rich orchestration.

How many songs are on More Blues and the Abstract Truth?

More Blues and the Abstract Truth has 10 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

More Blues and the Abstract Truth

Oliver Nelson · 1965

50 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Innovative arrangements blend hard bop energy with bluesy undertones, creating a sophisticated yet accessible jazz experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blues and the Abstract Truth — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its intricate arrangements and vibrant solos that showcase Nelson's unique approach to jazz composition.
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Midnight Blue — This track stands out for its moody atmosphere and lyrical saxophone lines, becoming one of Nelson's signature pieces often covered by other artists.
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Goin' to Chicago Blues — This piece infuses traditional blues elements with sophisticated jazz improvisation, highlighting Nelson's ability to bridge genres seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and cohesive arrangements that blend blues and jazz effectively.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of blues scales across multiple tracks, creating a cohesive thematic sound.
Each track employs varied instrumentation, with prominent use of brass and woodwinds alongside traditional jazz rhythm sections.
Several compositions include call-and-response patterns between instruments, enhancing the dynamic interplay characteristic of jazz.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Blues and the Abstract Truth 5:14
2 Blues O'Mighty 6:48
3 Theme From Mr. Broadway 5:49
4 Midnight Blue 4:06
5 The Critic's Choice 2:21
6 One for Bob 6:07
7 Blues for Mr. Broadway 8:12
8 Goin' to Chicago Blues 4:37
9 One for Phil 3:58
10 Night Lights 2:46

What to play next

Listen next

Happenings

1966

Go back to

Fantabulous

1964

Full Oliver Nelson discography Artists like Oliver Nelson

bebop jazz fusion post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata