Curtis Fuller Quintet @ The Jazz Bakery 05.09.08
By George W. Harris

He’s the only surviving member left from the 1957 classic “Blue Train” recording. That alone should make you want to see trombonist Curtis Fuller in concert. However, hard bop is in this man’s soul; he’s been on classic recordings with Bud Powell, Art Blakey and The Jazztet as well. Even after more than 50 years removed from these classic albums, Fuller has the inherent joy of hard bop that is infectious. Leading his latest band with Trane-toned tenorist George Harper, Fuller delighted the audience with revved up versions of tunes made famous when Blue Note was the label of champions. The crackling drumming of Fritz Wise propelled the band through tunes like “The Clan” and “Up Jumped Spring”, both of which showcased Fuller’s rough and rhythmic soloing. His solos were textbook showcases of perfectly constructed statements, logical and above all, swinging. The sonorous strings of bassist Tony Dumas and the celebratory piano support by Nate Morgan produced the perfect mood on the rock steady “Accord”, as well as on Morgan’s trio spotlight, the elegiac “Peace.” Closing with a finger snapping take of “Good Bait”, Fuller told the front row of young students to guard this music, as it’s their heritage. Wiser words, and better music, has rarely been delivered from the Bakery stage this cool spring evening.