Broadcast on 24-Feb-2014

This feature has a large orchestra playing music composed and arranged by Oliver Nelson who not only conducts the orchestra but is heard with others on alto and tenor saxophones. The 7 part suite is a depiction of the history of African/American people from their origin in Africa to their arrival in the USA as slaves, their emancipation and all the triumphs and tribulations ending in the optimistic part 7 called "Freedom Dance". Nelson put together the cream of the crop of New York Jazz players for this project in September and November 1961.It is a credit to producer Esmond Edwards and Prestige Records that this huge project was realised. The music tells a great story but is also great Jazz and it is a tribute to Oliver Nelson who was able to tell this musical story. Afro/American Sketches is a quite masterpiece.