The Complete Blue Note/UA Curtis Fuller Sessions - Curtis Fuller (Box Set 5LP Vinyl)

Curtis Fuller's The Complete Blue Note/UA Curtis Fuller Sessions represents everything I love about discovering rare vinyl treasures from 1996.

I first heard this when I was digging through a collection in Chicago, and the moment the needle dropped, I knew I was holding something extraordinary.

This recording captures Curtis Fuller during a transformative period in both their personal artistry and the broader musical landscape.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Curtis Fuller leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Comes with a 14 page booklet.

Unlike most of the Mosaic vinyl releases, this set was pressed on 180g vinyl.

For some reason the album [m467317] is re-titled in this set as "Curtis Fuller-Art Farmer".

Track Listing:
. The Opener (1957)
A1. Lizzy's Bounce
A2. Soon
A3. A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening
B1. Here's To My Lady
B2. Oscalypso
B3. Hugore
. Bone & Bari (1957)
C1. Algonquin
C2. Bone And Bari
C3. Nita's Waltz
D1. Again
D2. Heart And Soul
D3. Pickup
. Volume 3 (Curtis Fuller-Art Farmer) 1960
E1. Quantrale
E2. Two Quarters Of A Mile
E3. Little Messenger
F1. It's Too Late Now
F2. Jeanie
F3. Carvon
. Two Bones (1958) (Released 1980)
G1. Pajama Tops
G2. Slide's Ride
G3. Loquacious Lady
G4. Mean Jean
H1. Fuss Budget
H2. Oatmeal Cookie
H3. Da-Baby
. Sliding Easy (1959)
I1. Down Home
I2. Down Home /(Alternate Take)
I3. C.T.A.
I4. When Lights Are Low
J1. (I Wonder) Where Our Love Has Gone
J1. Bongo Bop
J2. Bit Of Heaven

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. This pressing from the digital era shows careful attention to maintaining the analog warmth of the original recordings.

I've recommended this to countless collectors, and it never fails to impress. Essential listening for any music lover.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Curtis Fuller

Format: Box Set

Genre: Jazz

Label: Mosaic Records (2)

Catalog Number: MQ5-166

Series: MOSAIC

Release Year: 1996

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)