Let's stick with Oliver Nelson for one more day. In addition to being a high-impact modernist jazz arranger, Nelson was a sensational composer. Miss Fine is from Full Nelson, Nelson's second album as the leader of a big band. The album was recorded for Verve in 1962 and '63, and produced by Creed Taylor. Miss Fine, which has a Shiny Stockings feel, was named after and dedicated to Nelson's younger sister, Leontine LaCoste, who in 1963 was playing piano and singing at the Vanity Fair Night Club in St. Louis.
As Nelson writes in the Full Nelson liner notes: "The name 'Miss Fine' was given to Leontine by John Cotter, an old friend who is presently conductor and musical director to Della Reese. The trumpet solo in the middle of the tune is by Joe Newman. The trumpet solo at the romp before the piece ends is played by Clark Terry." [Photo above of Oliver Nelson by Chuck Stewart]
Here's Miss Fine, which exemplifies Nelson's sensitivity and swing...
