Saxophonist Oliver Nelson was a man for all musical seasons. He played all of the saxophones specializing in alto, tenor and later soprano saxophone. He was a masterful composer and arranger. Even though he recorded prolifically and was responsible for a few real classics, this session is a little bit overlooked. It is a well organized session as all Nelson's records are but with less emphasis on arrangements and more on blowing and getting it on. His partner on the front line is the dynamic and fiery trumpeter Joe Newman, a veteran of many big bands including the Basie Band. Nelson and Newman hit it off and they are backed superbly by the premier pianist of the time, Hank Jones. George Duvivier is on bass and Charlie Persip drives things along on drums. Ray Barretto adds his might to the rhythm section on congas. Ray swings and is never intrusive. Six tunes are presented. The Ellington title track kicks things off with a high energetic standard and the album ends with a relaxed version of the old standard "Tangerine" the rest are Nelson originals that bring out the best in all. Nelson plays mostly tenor saxophone here but does two tunes ("J&B" and "Latino") on alto. Main Stem is a knockout date and fun to listen to!

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