Sound Pieces

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars, stating: "Although best-known as an altoist and a tenor-saxophonist, Nelson sticks exclusively to soprano throughout the set. He leads a 20-piece big band on three of his compositions. Although one would not think of Nelson as a soprano stylist, his strong playing actually put him near the top of his field".[3]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]

All compositions by Oliver Nelson except as indicated

1. "Sound Piece for Jazz Orchestra" - 9:44
2. "Flute Salad" - 2:49
3. "The Lady From Girl Talk" - 4:59
4. "The Shadow of Your Smile" (Mandel, Webster) - 9:44
5. "Patterns" - 6:19
6. "Elegy for a Duck" - 6:23

Bonus tracks on CD reissue:

7. "Straight, No Chaser" (Monk) - 9:10
8. "Example Seventy Eight" - 6:01

Recorded on September 7, 1966 (#4-8) and September 27, 1966 (#3) and September 28, 1966 (#1, 2).

Tracks 1-3

• Oliver Nelson - soprano saxophone, arranger, conductor
• John Audino, Bobby Bryant (#1-2), Conte Candoli, Ollie Mitchell, Al Porcino (#3) - trumpet
• Mike Barone, Billy Byers (#3), Richard Leith, Dick Noel (#1-2), Ernie Tack - trombone
• Bill Hinshaw, Richard Perissi - French horn
• Red Callender - tuba
• Gabe Baltazar - alto saxophone, clarinet, alto flute
• Bill Green - piccolo, flute, alto flute, alto saxophone
• Plas Johnson - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute
• Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute
• Jack Nimitz - baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
• Mike Melvoin - piano
• Ray Brown – bass
• Shelly Manne – drums

Recorded in Hollywood

Tracks 4-8

• Oliver Nelson - soprano saxophone
• Steve Kuhn - piano
• Ron Carter – bass
• Grady Tate – drums

Recorded in New York