Presented here in its entirety, The Blues and the Abstract Truth (Impulse AS-5) was the masterpiece that earned Oliver Nelson widespread recognition as one of the finest arrangers and composers in jazz. Everything shines here: the wonderful compositions and arrangements, including the splendid “Stolen Moments”, which would become a standard, and the all-star group with Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Roy Haynes. Six other Nelson tunes that also feature Dolphy and Haynes, including two long blues and the earliest existing version of “Stolen Moments” –originally issued as “The Stolen Moment”– have been added as a bonus.

1. Stolen Moments
2. Hoe-Down
3. Cascades
4. Yearnin
5. Butch and Butch
6. Teenie S Blues
7. Screamin the Blues
8. The Meetin
9. Walk Away
10. Trane Whistle
11. Whole Nelson
12. Stolen Moments