Four On The Outside - Curtis Fuller (1LP Vinyl)

Four On The Outside by Curtis Fuller.

Recorded on September 18, 1978, at CI Recording Studio in New York City, "Four On The Outside" captures Curtis Fuller during a fertile and expressive period. The trombonist, long celebrated for his warmth and lyricism, brings a wealth of experience to these six selections, balancing hard-swinging originals with a familiar standard. It is a session that rewards close listening, a document of a master craftsman still exploring the possibilities of his instrument.

The record opens with the title track, "Four On The Outside," setting a confident tone before easing into "Suite-Kathy," a piece that showcases Fuller's gift for shaping melody with a vocalist's sense of phrasing. Side A closes with "Hello Young Lovers," the one standard on the program, given the kind of unhurried, singing treatment that has always been at the heart of Fuller's appeal.

Turn the record over and the mood deepens. "Little Dreams" opens Side B with an intimate, reflective quality, followed by "Ballad For Gabe-Wells," a title that promises exactly the tender, considered playing Fuller is known for. The set concludes with "Corrida Del Torro," a fiery, rhythmically charged finale that sends the listener out on a high note, the trombone dancing over a driving pulse.

Across both sides, the appeal lies in Fuller's tone, that burnished, vocal sound that made him one of the most sought-after trombonists in jazz. Whether stretching out on an original or leaning into a well-loved melody, he plays with the ease of someone who has nothing left to prove and everything left to say.

This edition is a treat for collectors, limited to just 500 copies and pressed on heavyweight 180g black vinyl for a full, substantial listening experience. It arrives complete with an obi strip, a welcome touch for those who appreciate a record presented with care and built to be kept.

For anyone drawn to the trombone's role in jazz, or simply seeking a session that pairs swing and sentiment in equal measure, "Four On The Outside" makes a rewarding addition to the shelf. It is Curtis Fuller doing what he does best, and a fitting entry in any collection assembled with an ear for the genuine article.

Pressing Details:
Recorded September 18, 1978
At CI Recording Studio, New York City

Limited to 500 copies
180g edition black vinyl
Comes with obi strip

Track Listing:
A1. Four On The Outside
A2. Suite-Kathy
A3. Hello Young Lovers
B1. Little Dreams
B2. Ballad For Gabe-Wells
B3. Corrida Del Torro

Artist: Curtis Fuller

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Tidal Waves Music

Catalog Number: TWM107

Release Year: 2023

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)