Afro/American Sketches is a jazz album by Oliver Nelson recorded in late 1961 and released in 1962. It is his first big band album as a leader.Afro/American Sketches at Jazzdisco
In a June 7, 1962, review for Down Beat magazine jazz critic Richard B. Hadlock said this of Nelson: "In his penchant for melodic simplicity and inner complexity he is close to the secret of Duke Ellington's most enduring scores, and in his thick linear voicing there are echoes of Gil Evans at his best."Down Beat: June 7, 1962, vol. 29, no. 12
Track listing All tracks composed by Nelson.
"Message" – 5:56 "Jungleaire" – 6:33 "Emancipation Blues" – 8:11 "There's a Yearnin'" – 4:24 "Going Up North" – 6:11 "Disillusioned" – 5:36 "Freedom Dance" – 4:39
Recorded on September 29 (#1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and November 10 (#2, 5), 1961.
Personnel Tracks 2, 5 Oliver Nelson – arranger, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone Joe Newman, Clyde Reasinger, Ernie Royal – trumpet Billy Byers, Paul Faulise, Melba Liston – trombone Don Butterfield – tuba Eric Dixon – tenor saxophone, flute Jerry Dodgion – flute Art Davis – bass Ed Shaughnessy – drums Ray Barretto – congas, bongos
Tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 Oliver Nelson – arranger, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone Jerry Kail, Joe Newman, Ernie Royal, Joe Wilder – trumpet Paul Faulise, Urbie Green, Britt Woodman – trombone Ray Alonge, Jim Buffington, Julius Watkins – French horn Don Butterfield – tuba Jerry Dodgion – alto sax, flute Eric Dixon – tenor saxophone, flute Bob Ashton – tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet Patti Bown – piano Peter Makas, Charles McCracken – violoncello Art Davis – bass Ed Shaughnessy – drums Ray Barretto – congas, bongos
References