Stand by to hear the truth, about the blues, musicianship and the art of Oliver Nelson. A great saxophonist, arranger, composer and bandleader, Nelson caused a stir with this album, which was acclaimed as one of the most important releases of the Modern Jazz era. The Blues And The Abstract Truth was first released in 1961, when jazz was witnessing a whole new generation of spirited youngsters making an impact with fresh ideas. While the advent of the avant-garde and free jazz proved unnerving to many, there was a welcome reassurance about the recordings of Oliver Nelson.