Soul Battle (1960)

"The Blues And The Abstract Truth" geldt als Nelsons standaardplaat-bij-uitstek, maar dit net iets vroegere werk is, hoewel misschien wat minder subtiel, ook niet te versmaden. "This intriguing session matches together three powerful tenor players: Oliver Nelson, King Curtis (in a rare jazz outing) and Jimmy Forrest. With fine backup work by pianist Gene Casey, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Roy Haynes, the tenors battle to a draw on a set of blues and basic material (including a fine version of "Perdido"). This CD reissue adds one selection ("Soul Street") from the same date to the original LP program and is easily recommended to fans of big-toned tenors and straightahead swinging." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)