Unlike the original classic
Blues and the Abstract Truth set from three years earlier,
Oliver Nelson does not play on this album. He did contribute three of the eight originals and all of the arrangements but his decision not to play is disappointing. However there are some strong moments from such all-stars as trumpeter
Thad Jones, altoist
Phil Woods, baritonist
Pepper Adams, pianist
Roger Kellaway and guest tenor
Ben Webster (who is on two songs). The emphasis is on blues-based pieces and there are some strong moments even if the date falls short of its predecessor.