Jammin'2007 Curtis Fuller

"Jammin' on The Hudson" 2007; Artist Biographies & 'Links'

Sunday July 22nd; from 6.00 to 8.00pm: Legendary Trombonist Curtis Fuller

Curtis Fuller belongs in the same select circle with J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding and a few others who make the trombone sound fluid and inviting rather than awkward. Curtis Fuller was also one of the only trombone players who made a recognizable contribution to Hard Bop. His ability to make wide octave leaps and play whiplash phrases in a relaxed, casual manner is a testament to his skill. Fuller's solos and phrases are often ambitious and creative, and he's worked in several fine bands and participated in numerous great sessions.

Fuller studied music in high school, then began developing his skills in an army band, where he played with Cannonball Adderley. He worked in Detroit with Kenny Burrell and Yusef Lateef, then moved to New York.

Fuller made his recording debut as a leader on Transition in 1955, and recorded in the late '50s for Blue Note, Prestige, United Artists and Savoy. He was a charter member of “The Jazztet” with Benny Golson and Art Farmer in 1959, then played in Art Blakey's “Jazz Messengers” from 1961 to 1965. There were additional recording dates for Warwick, Smash/Trip, Epic, and Impulse in the '60s.

Fuller toured Europe with Dizzy Gillespie's big band in 1968, then did several sessions in New York. During the '70s, he experimented for a time playing hard bop arrangements in a band featuring electronic instruments, heading a group with guitarist Bill Washer and Stanley Clarke. He concluded that phase with the '73 album Crankin'.

In 1975 Fuller returned to the world of ‘Swing’, and toured with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the next two years. It was during this tour, after “A Royal Command Performance” that he was awarded an “O.B.E.” by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Curtis also did dates for Mainstream, Timeless, and Bee Hive. He co-led the quintet “Giant Bones” with Winding in 1979 and 1980, and also played with Art Blakey, Cedar Walton and Benny Golson in the late '70s and early '80s.

During the '80s, Fuller toured Europe regularly with the “Timeless All-Stars”, and performed and recorded with the revamped “Jazztet”, in addition to leading a fine session for Savoy in 1993.

To this day, Curtis Fuller continues to record, and tour the world, and we are proud, and honored to welcome him here at; “Jammin’ on The Hudson” , on July 22^nd 2007 for our opening Concert this season.

His latest release is called "Keep It Simple" released in 2005, and found on the "Savant" label;