As Oliver Nelson is known primarily as a big band leader and arranger, he is less well-known as a saxophonist and organizer of small ensembles. The Blues And The Abstract Truth is his triumph as a musician, and literally defines the sound of an era. For this masterpiece, Nelson assembled one of the most potent modern jazz sextets ever. Lead trumpeter Freddie Hubbard is at his peak of performance, while alto saxophonists Nelson and Eric Dolphy (Nelson doubling on tenor) team to for an unlikely union that was simmered to perfection. Bill Evans (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Roy Haynes (drums) can do no wrong as a rhythm section.