Broadcast on 19-May-2008

Oliver Nelson was a musical 'man for all seasons': a great saxophonist who played alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones as well as clarinet and flute. Nelson was a composer and arranger who had his own style and sound and was at his best playing with a large band of his favourite players. Some of them are here on this recording done with New York and Chicago players, people like Chicago born trumpet star Art Hoyle and tenor saxophonist Kenny Soderblom plus New Yorkers like Phil Woods on alto saxophone and Jerome Richardson on baritone saxophone and flute. Seattle born pianist Patti Bown is heard to good advantage here as well as the great rhythm section of bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Grady Tate. Mr. Nelson plays some inspired solos on the tenor saxophone as well but first and foremost are his compositions and arrangements.......all adding up to "Fantabulous!"