Perhaps, only with the passing of time is it possible to evaluate the true value of great works of art – in this instance, Oliver Nelson's personal masterpiece 1960’s The Blues And The Abstract Truth. Along with Miles’ Kind Of Blue, Coltrane's Giant Steps, Ornette's Change Of The Century and Mingus Ah Um, Nelson's The Blues And The Abstract Truth remains one of the truly indispensible albums of that era… and well beyond. While not quite so memorable as a stop-youdead-in-your-tracks tenor sax titan, Nelson's true gift was as a composerarranger of extraordinary ability. Here, utilising just three solo horns – Hubbard, Dolphy and himself (George Barrow's baritone was only employed in ensembles), Nelson created an abundance of uniquely rich textures on such diverse compositions as ‘Hoe Down’, ‘Cascades’ and the title track which often gave the illusion of being performed by a far larger unit.

Such is the lasting potency of the title track that it has been knowingly sampled and thoroughly reconstructed by Leon Carr as part of the main theme for Manga's successful cult animated feature The Fist Of The North Star.

To return to the original album, throughout, both Hubbard and Dolphy turn in virtuoso performances while surprisingly a somewhat subdued Bill Evans only occasionally makes his presence heard. Down in the engine room, Paul Chambers and Roy Haynes drive each performance with the utmost tact and discretion.

To add to its desirability, this package comes with six bonus cuts that includes an earlier interpretation of the title track from a big band date fronted by Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis plus Nelson's aptly titled ‘Screamin’ The Blues’. In all, more than enough to sate the most demanding appetite.