RIP, Oliver Nelson (1932-1975)

Jazz saxophonist Oliver Nelson (1932-1975) died on October 28, 1975, in Los Angeles at the age of 43. His death is usually attributed to a heart attack, but his son claims that the cause of death was really pancreatitis.  Others, like Len Lyons, argue that "overwork and long-standing frustration over not expressing himself musically were underlying causes."

In fact, Lyons refers to Nelson as "a little-known tragic hero — little known by the public, a hero to many jazz musicians, and tragically swallowed up by Hollywood's film and television industry."

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Nelson's album, Three Dimensions: The Dedication Series, Vol. 3 (Impulse). The album is available only in vinyl, and Jim Determan recommends the following alternatives, both of which contain all of the tracks from the album recommended by Lyons. Blues and the Abstract Truth is considered a classic and includes "Stolen Moments," the piece featured in the video above.

• Blues and the Abstract Truth (Verve). Purchase at Amazon.com.
• Sound Pieces (GRP Records).  Purchase at Amazon.com.

Nelson plays his best-known composition, "Stolen Moments," with Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy and Roy Haynes here:

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