The Opener is an album by American jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller, recorded on June 16, 1957 and released on Blue Note later that year—his debut for the label.Blue Note discography accessed October 22, 2010Jazzdisco: Curtis Fuller Catalog, accessed October 22, 2019Fitzgerald, M. Curtis Fuller Leader Entry, accessed October 22, 2019
Reception
The AllMusic review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine states, "The Opener is trombonist Curtis Fuller's first album for Blue Note and it is a thoroughly impressive affair."Erlewine, S. T. [ Allmusic Review] accessed October 22, 2010
Track listing All compositions by Curtis Fuller except as indicated
Side 1 "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening" (Harold Adamson, Jimmy McHugh) – 6:52 "Hugore" – 6:43 "Oscalypso" (Oscar Pettiford) – 5:40
Side 2 "Here's to My Lady" (Rube Bloom, Johnny Mercer) – 6:43 "Lizzy's Bounce" – 5:25 "Soon" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) – 5:33
Personnel
Musicians Curtis Fuller – trombone Hank Mobley – tenor saxophone (except "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening", "Here's to My Lady") Bobby Timmons – piano Paul Chambers – bass Art Taylor – drums
Technical personnel
Alfred Lion – producer Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer Reid Miles – design Francis Wolff – photography Robert Levin – liner notes
References