Down Home

In his mid-seventies at the time of this 2011 session, master trombonist Curtis Fuller is very much at the top of his game. Working with a familiar group, all of whose members appeared on his Capri CD I Will Tell Her (tenor saxophonist Keith Oxman, trumpeter Al Hood, pianist Chip Stephens, bassist Ken Walker, and drummer Todd Reid), Fuller not only brought arrangements but encouraged the Denver-based musicians to contribute theirs as well. The feeling one gets is of a touring band, not one put together for a recording. Fullers charts are lively with rich ensembles, potent solos all around, and a hip energy that makes one want to hear them again. Among the highlights of Fullers compositions are the spirited soul-jazz vehicle "Down Home," the hip "Nu Groove," and the easygoing "Sweetness," featuring Hoods sublime muted trumpet. Stephens contributed the swaggering "C Hips Blues," something that would have fit perfectly into 1960s hard bop repertoire had it been available. Oxman penned the upbeat "Jonli Bercosta," which has rich ensembles and fine solos. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden