The Opener Explained

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.^{[3] [4] [5]}

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."^[6]

Track listing

All compositions by Curtis Fuller except as indicated

Side 1

1. "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening" (Harold Adamson, Jimmy McHugh) – 6:52
2. "Hugore" – 6:43
3. "Oscalypso" (Oscar Pettiford) – 5:40

Side 2

1. "Here's to My Lady" (Rube Bloom, Johnny Mercer) – 6:43
2. "Lizzy's Bounce" – 5:25
3. "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

Notes and References

1. Reviews and Ratings of New Jazz Albums . Billboard . October 7, 1957 . Nielsen Business Media, Inc. . 65 . Google Books.
2. Web site: Curtis Fuller: The Opener album review @ All About Jazz. All About. Jazz. All About Jazz.
3. http://www.jazzdisco.org/blue-note-records/catalog-1500-series/#blp-1567 Blue Note discography
4. https://www.jazzdisco.org/curtis-fuller/catalog/#blue-note-blp-1567 Jazzdisco: Curtis Fuller Catalog
5. Fitzgerald, M. Curtis Fuller Leader Entry, accessed October 22, 2019
6. Erlewine, S. T. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=the-opener-r139006|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic Review] accessed October 22, 2010