Oliver Nelson – Stolen Moments (East Wind/Inner City, 1975)

Oliver Nelson (arr, as); Bobby Bryant (tr, flgn); Jerome Richardson (ss, pic fl, fl); Buddy Collette (ts, fl); Bobby Bryant Jr. (ts, fl); Jack Nimitz (bs); Mike Wofford (p, el p); Chuck Domanico (el b); Shelly Manne (d)

Recorded on March 6, 1975


I can't include Nelson's best album from the 1970s in this survey -- Black, Brown and Beautiful (Flying Dutchman, 1970) -- since it was recorded in October 1969.

Even so, Nelson made several excellent LPs during the decade before his tragic and premature death in 1975.  Both Berlin Dialogue for Orchestra (FD, 1970) and Swiss Suite (FD, 1971) feature Nelson with big band ensembles featuring outstanding soloists from Europe and the U.S.  

But the disc that I've chosen is the last LP Nelson ever made, featuring a "little big band" ensemble.  Along with his distinctive alto work and arrangements, this recording includes some of Nelson's most memorable compositions, including the title cut.

By the way, check out the trumpet work by Bobby Bryant throughout the album.  Outstanding!