Curtis Fuller | Curtis Fuller and Hampton Hawes with French Horns

A major post-bop stylist on trombone with remarkable techniques, including wide-octave leaps and whiplash phrases delivered in a relaxed manner. 
Read Full Biography

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

The French horn has rarely been used in jazz as a solo instrument until recent times. Back in the 1950s, jazz's top French horn player was Julius Watkins, with David Amram certainly ranking in the top five. For this 1957 session, trombonist Curtis Fuller and his quintet with altoist Sahib Shihab, pianist Hampton Hawes (Teddy Charles, who contributed three originals, takes his place on one number), bassist Addison Farmer, and drummer Jerry Segal are joined by both Watkins and Amram. On originals by Charles,Amram, and Salvatore Zito, the colorful ensembles and the very adept soloing by the French horns make this a particularly memorable recording. Strange that this album has been obscure for so long. Only the brief playing time keeps this intriguing set from getting a higher rating.

Curtis Fuller - trombone
Teddy Charles (track 4), Hampton Hawes (tracks 1-3, 5 & 6) - piano
Sahib Shihab - alto saxophone
David Amram, Julius Watkins - French horn
Addison Farmer - bass
Jerry Segal - drums


1 Ronnie's Tune 00:00
2 Roc and Troll 07:33
3 A-Drift 14:49 
4 Five Spot 21:06
5 Lyriste 24:39
6 No Crooks 30:44


Recorded: May 18, 1957, Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey
Released Possibly December 1964
Label Status ST 8305
Producer Bob Weinstock