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Curtis Fuller: I Will Tell Her
ByOxman's band became the vehicle for this recording after Fuller's guest appearance with the group in Denver. The band includes trumpeter Alan Hood, pianist Chip Stephens, bassist Ken Walker and drummer Todd Reidall of whom are featured on this album both on the studio recording and on the live Dazzle set. While the majority of the pieces are Fuller originals, also included are the Sonny Rollins tune "Tenor Madness," Kenny Dorham's "Minor's Holiday" and "I Want To Talk About You" from the Billy Eckstine songbook. The center piece of the album is the title track, a slow and soft ballad punctuated by several solos from Fuller. The tribute piece is performed on both sessions with the live recording being an extended version running almost 13 minutes in length.
Fuller's boisterous "The Court," also enjoys a double take with another extended rendition recorded on the live disc where both Fuller and Oxman tee off on this number delivering lively performances. Dorham's "Minor's Holiday" is the only other piece recorded on both sessions that stays within the same time frame sounding just as peppery on the studio side as they sound on the live date. Pianist Stephens does the honors leading the music until Oxman and Hood decide to get involved. Fuller is the next to last to solo here but does so brilliantly followed by a rumbling from Reid's drums. The live set, though shorter in the number of pieces performed, is actually longer in total time and of course contains the sounds of a live audience which always adds to the excitement of the music.
I Will Tell Herthe best music the trombonist has recorded in yearsis more than a fitting message of love to Curtis Fuller's late wife Cathy; it succeeds in sending a message that this artist has a lot more music to offer.
Track Listing
CD1: Time Off; Sagittarius; Minor's Holiday; I Will Tell Her; Maze; The Court; Alamode; The Clan; CD2: Tenor Madness; The Court; I Will Tell Her; Maze; I Want to Talk About You; Minor's Holiday.
Personnel
Curtis Fuller
tromboneCurtis Fuller: trombone; Keith Oxman: tenor sax; Al Hood: trumpet; Chip Stephens: piano; Ken Walker: bass; Todd Reid: drums.
Album information
Title: I Will Tell Her | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Capri Records