EPISODE · May 9, 2026 · 1H 36M
The Blues and the Abstract Truth by Oliver Nelson Review
from Hey, Listen to This! · host Matt Drzik and Ryan Kearns
This week, Matt and Ryan review the 1961 release from Oliver Nelson called The Blues and the Abstract Truth. This album is Nelson's most acclaimed and features some notable musicians: Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers and Roy Haynes. The record is noted for its unique ensemble arrangements. Check out what we have to say about the album!Listen to the album: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb2Y6NVXNIAZdY_5poKq7_bdvz0qasHyB&si=KmwUjngrdtT_2BHtPurchase the album:https://www.amazon.com/Blues-Abstract-Truth-Oliver-Nelson/dp/B000003N7EIf you love what you hear, please give us a five-star rating and share the episode with a friend!Have an idea for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] with Us!* Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ttheylisten.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttheylisten/* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttheylisten* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ttheylistenEpisode Timestamps00:00 Intro02:58 Revisiting Los Campesinos! 'All Hell'05:16 Introducing Oliver Nelson16:37 Deep Dive into 'Stolen Moments' Track31:54 Analyzing the Energetic 'Hoe-down' Track42:21 Exploring the Compositional 'Cascades' Track51:59 How to Connect and Support Our Show58:39 Dissecting the Complexities of 'Yearnin'01:36:39 The Saxophone-Heavy 'Butch and Butch'01:14:22 Experimental Harmonies in 'Teenie's Blues'01:22:30 Final Thoughts and Ratings for the Album01:29:47 Album Recommendations and Next Week's Tease
What this episode covers
This week, Matt and Ryan review the 1961 release from Oliver Nelson called The Blues and the Abstract Truth. This album is Nelson's most acclaimed and features some notable musicians: Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers and Roy Haynes. The record is noted for its unique ensemble arrangements. Check out what we have to say about the album!Listen to the album: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb2Y6NVXNIAZdY_5poKq7_bdvz0qasHyB&si=KmwUjngrdtT_2BHtPurchase the album:https://www.amazon.com/Blues-Abstract-Truth-Oliver-Nelson/dp/B000003N7EIf you love what you hear, please give us a five-star rating and share the episode with a friend!Have an idea for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] with Us!* Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ttheylisten.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttheylisten/* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttheylisten* Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ttheylistenEpisode Timestamps00:00 Intro02:58 Revisiting Los Campesinos! 'All Hell'05:16 Introducing Oliver Nelson16:37 Deep Dive into 'Stolen Moments' Track31:54 Analyzing the Energetic 'Hoe-down' Track42:21 Exploring the Compositional 'Cascades' Track51:59 How to Connect and Support Our Show58:39 Dissecting the Complexities of 'Yearnin'01:36:39 The Saxophone-Heavy 'Butch and Butch'01:14:22 Experimental Harmonies in 'Teenie's Blues'01:22:30 Final Thoughts and Ratings for the Album01:29:47 Album Recommendations and Next Week's Tease
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The Blues and the Abstract Truth by Oliver Nelson Review
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