ProJazz.net

Straight Ahead is a jazz studio album by American saxophonist and composer Oliver Nelson featured  Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone, clarinet and flute.

Reception

AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars and stated:”A very interesting quintet set, Straight Ahead matches together Oliver Nelson (on alto and tenor) and Eric Dolphy (tripling on alto, flute, and bass clarinet). With the assistance of pianist Richard Wyands, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Roy Haynes, the two reedmen battle it out on six compositions (five of Nelson’s originals plus Milt Jackson’s “Ralph’s New Blues.” Although none of Nelson’s tunes caught on, this is a pretty memorable date. It certainly took a lot of courage for Oliver Nelson to share the front line with the colorful Eric Dolphy, but his own strong musical personality holds its own on this straight-ahead date.”

Track listing:
“Images” (Oliver Nelson) – 5:43
“Six and Four”(Oliver Nelson)  – 7:15
“Mama Lou” (Oliver Nelson) – 5:04
“Ralph’s New Blues” (Milt Jackson) – 9:52
“Straight Ahead” (Oliver Nelson) – 5:31
“111-44” (Oliver Nelson) – 3:28

Personnel:
Oliver Nelson – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, clarinet
Eric Dolphy – alto saxophone, bass clarinet, flute
Richard Wyands – piano
George Duvivier – bass
Roy Haynes – drums

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Released: 1961
Recorded: March 1, 1961
Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs
Length: 36:53
Label: Prestige
NJ 8255
Producer: Esmond Edwards