Oliver Nelson - Afro-American Sketches (1962)

Tracklist

1. Message 5:56
2. Jungleaire 6:32
3. Emancipation Blues 8:11
4. There's A Yearnin' 4:24
5. Going Up North 6:11
6. Disillusioned 5:35
7. Freedom Dance 4:39

This CD reissue brings back Oliver Nelson's first big-band date as a leader. Meant as a folk album paying tribute to the history of blacks in America, there are such songs as "Jungleaire," "Emancipation Blues," "Going Up North" and "Freedom Dance." Among the soloists are flutist Jerry Dodgion, trumpeter Joe Newman and Nelson himself on tenor and alto. Even this early, Nelson's writing had its own sound; his seven-part suite is well worth hearing.