In a career that has spanned over 60 years, dozens of recordings and countless gigs, Blue Note Records artist Curtis Fuller is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential and respected trombonists in the history of jazz.

Curtis Fuller has been a remarkable survivor, not to mention a consistent and versatile player throughout his entire career.  Fuller is his own man. His melodic ideas are inventive and immaculately executed, with a fast and definitive articulation. His assured tone and intonation is equally capable of a burnished glow and flashy brilliance. Fuller has the capability to stay within his limits, managing to blend with his front line mates while contributing solos that could hold their own, even in the company of a John Coltrane.

Curtis Fuller was also the first trombonist to be a member of the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, later becoming the sixth man in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, probably best known today as the added third horn in Art Blakey’s 1961-64 edition of the Jazz Messengers (making the classics Mosaic and Free for All), or because of his essential contribution to John Coltrane’s Blue Train album. And here’s an interesting factoid, Fuller was also the only trombonist to ever play with Bud Powell and John Coltrane.

What is as remarkable about Curtis Fuller as his lyrical improvising and ingenious writing, is his personality. On the road, on stage, or in the studio, Curtis is a relaxed professional who lifts every situation with his incredible sense of humor and his natural sparkle.

“Curtis has buckets and buckets and tons of soul. He has wonderful natural qualities and is bound to mature into a very important voice.”   …Gigi Gryce