ProJazz.net

Jazz …It’s Magic! is an album by American jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller recorded in 1957 and released on the Regent label a subsidiary of Savoy Records.

“Trombonist Curtis Fuller’s recordings for Savoy in the 1950s, like those of labelmates Hank Mobley, Milt Jackson, Wilbur Harden, Donald Byrd, and others, were prototypes in the development of hard bop. The next stage would come with the subsequent work of many of the same artists for Blue Note, where improved recording technique, greater attention to writing and arranging, and a more generous policy with respect to preparation and rehearsal time helped bring in the classic hard bop era of the late ’50s and early ’60s. On Fuller’s Jazz…It’s Magic!, the hard bop prototype is still under refinement, but it’s easy to enjoy the music in its essential elements: elegant, bluesy melodies; earthy, yet sophisticated, solo work; and fresh treatments of standards. For this 1957 date, Fuller is joined by the appealingly urbane Tommy Flanagan (piano), the versatile Louis Hayes (drums), and George Tucker (bass), whose loping but solid style resembles Paul Chambers’. Joining the trombonist in the frontline is the relatively obscure alto player Sonny Red, who has a clean, expressive, melodic approach to the Charlie Parker legacy that provides many of this CD’s best moments. Three Fuller originals, Frank Foster’s “Upper Berth,” and a medley of ballad standards make up the program. If there are any misgivings about the album, it would be the long medley (over 13 minutes), which drags on the overall pace. That said, Red’s and Flanagan’s solo spots on the medley are superb, but the listener’s attention can be expected to wander by the time the trombonist finally steps up for his three choruses.” – Jim Todd/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“Two Ton” (Curtis Fuller) – 4:48
“Medley: It’s Magic/My One and Only Love/They Didn’t Believe Me” (Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn/ Guy Wood, Robert Mellin/Jerome Kern, Herbert Reynolds) – 13:41
“Soul Station” (Curtis Fuller) – 5:42
“Club Car” (Curtis Fuller) – 7:15
“Upper Berth” (Frank Foster) – 8:32

Personnel:
Curtis Fuller – trombone
Sonny Red – alto saxophone
Tommy Flanagan – piano
George Tucker – bass
Louis Hayes – drums

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Released: 1957
Recorded: September 5, 1957
Studio: Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey
Length: 39:53
Label: Regent
MG 6055