Afro/American Sketches

by Oliver Nelson

Afro/American Sketches cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: February 1962
  • Label: Prestige
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 41:09
  • Community rating: 3.45/5 from 2 ratings

Artists on this release: Jim Buffington, Britt Woodman, Joe Newman, Art Davis, Jerry Kail, Julius Watkins, Peter Makis, Billy Byers, Charles McCracken, Clyde Reasinger, Babe Clark, Ed Shaughnessy, Paul Faulise, Ernie Royal, Don Butterfield, Robert Ashton, Joe Wilder, Urbie Green, Jerry Dodgion, Melba Liston, Oliver Nelson and His Orchestra, Ray Barretto, Eric Dixon, Ray Alonge, Patti Bown

Album Notes & Community Reviews

An ambitious conceptual suite, 'Afro/American Sketches' traces the history of the African diaspora through Oliver Nelson's highly sophisticated big band orchestrations. The album attempts to blend traditional African polyrhythms with modern post-bop harmonic structures, relying heavily on a massive percussion section. It serves as a striking example of Nelson's arranging prowess and the growing civil rights consciousness within early 60s jazz.

Genres

Descriptors: melodic, instrumental

Tracklist

  1. Message (5:52)
  2. Jungleaire (6:29)
  3. Emancipation Blues (8:09)
  4. There's A Yearnin' (4:19)
  5. Going Up North (6:07)
  6. Disillusioned (5:32)
  7. Freedom Dance (4:39)

Credits

More from Oliver Nelson: full discography