Curtis Fuller is clearly one of the trombone's most distinctive voices and a consistently creative force in jazz for over forty years. While he has appeared on numerous sessions led by others, there are only a small number of sessions by this giant under his own name. Thankfully, this 2003 session can now be added to Fuller's recorded legacy. Among the long list of accomplishments on his considerable resumé are a four-year stint with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, a couple of years with Count Basie, the Paris Reunion Band plus leading the group 'Giant Bones' with Kai Winding. Working often with pianist Doug Carn, they are joined here by the fiery tenor of Javon Jackson. Keep it Simple is yet another welcome entry in the discography of Curtis Fuller as a leader. It's a highly enjoyable session that hopefully will lead to more frequent offerings from this neglected giant of the trombone.

Featuring: Javon Jackson, tenor sax; Doug Carn, piano; Rodney Jordan, bass; Fritz Wise, drums.

Tracks: The Court; Maze; Girl Talk; A La Mode; Lover Man; Western Sunrise; Arabia; I Didn’t Know What Time It Was; Diane; It’s You or No One.

Maze

A La Mode

Western Sunrise

Arabia