| Keep It Simple | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 15, 2005 | |||
| Recorded | September 28 & 29, 2003 | |||
| Studio | Rocky Mountain Studios, Hilton Head, Carolina | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 54:58 | |||
| Label | Savant SCD 2062 | |||
| Producer | Jacey Falk | |||
| Curtis Fuller chronology | ||||
| ||||
Keep It Simple is a studio album by American jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller recorded in 2003 and released by the Savant label in 2005. [1] [2] [3]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    [4] |
| The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings | [5] |
Matt Collar of Allmusic said: "Fuller once again reunites with a former Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers alum for a set of standards and original compositions. Joining Fuller this time is tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, who played with Blakey from the late '80s until the drummer's death in 1990. Together they reignite the fiery, soulful Jazz Messenger aesthetic." [4] In his review for JazzTimes , Aaron Steinberg wrote: "There's nothing brash or unconventional about trombonist Curtis Fuller's latest, Keep It Simple. Still active and playing well at 70, Fuller hews close to the Jazz Messengers-style bebop and modal jazz he’s been playing since the ’50s. Fuller brought a solid band into the studio and delivers a casual, satisfying record of standards and modal originals... the recording belongs to Fuller. His hazy tone and curt, snapping melodic lines sound more and more handsome as the recording goes on". [6] In The Observer Dave Gelly noted: "There is a ripeness about Fuller's tone that makes him instantly recognisable. It comes into full bloom during the slow ballads, such as 'Loverman', which are highlights of this excellent set, and blends perfectly with Jackson's slightly edgy sound." [7]
All compositions by Curtis Fuller except where noted
Arthur Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He was also known as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina after he converted to Islam for a short time in the late 1940s.
Curtis DuBois Fuller was an American jazz trombonist. He was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and contributed to many classic jazz recordings.
Caravan is a jazz album released by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in February 1963. It was Blakey's first album for Riverside Records after he signed with them in October 1962. The songs were recorded at the Plaza Sound Studio in New York City, on October 23–24, 1962 The producer was Orrin Keepnews who also supervised the album's remastered re-release on CD.
Mosaic is a 1961 jazz album released by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers on Blue Note Records. The album's performers included: Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano), Jymie Merritt (bass) and Art Blakey (drums). They recorded and performed together from 1961 into 1964. Hubbard and Walton became permanent members of the group following the 1961 departures of trumpeter Lee Morgan and pianist Bobby Timmons. The Mosaic recording session featured no alternate takes and, therefore, has yielded no bonus material in reissue.
Buhaina's Delight is a jazz album released by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1963. Produced by Alfred Lion, the album was recorded in two sessions on November 28, 1961 and December 18, 1961 at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The album was released by Blue Note Records in July 1963 after Blakey had moved to Riverside Records in late 1962.
Jazz Messengers!!!!! is a 1961 jazz album released by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers for Impulse! Records. Expanding to a sextet for the first time, it was the group's final recording with Bobby Timmons, who would be replaced by Cedar Walton.
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Javon Anthony Jackson is an American jazz tenor saxophonist, bandleader, and educator. He first became known as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1987 until Blakey's death in 1990. and went on to release 22 recordings as a bandleader and tour and record on over 150 CDs with jazz greats including Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Charlie Haden, Betty Carter, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Stanley Turrentine and Ben E. King.
Ugetsu: Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers at Birdland is a live jazz album by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers released on Riverside Records in October 1963. The album was recorded at Birdland in New York City.
New Trombone is the debut album by trombonist Curtis Fuller recorded in 1957 and originally released on Prestige Records.
Kyoto is an album by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, recorded in 1964 and released on the Riverside label.
'S Make It is a recording by the hard bop Art Blakey jazz ensemble. It was recorded in Los Angeles in 1964 and issued on the Limelight label. Following the departure of stars from his 1961 to 1964 band, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter and Cedar Walton, it includes previous Blakey alumni and newer players. This was trombonist Curtis Fuller's last recording as a regular member of the group, though he would return to record sporadically with Blakey in the 1970s and 80s. The album was re-released on Verve in 2004.
Keystone 3 is a live album by drummer Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers recorded at the Keystone Korner in San Francisco in 1982 and released on the Concord Jazz label.
Not Yet is an album by drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers recorded in Italy in 1988 and released on the Soul Note label.
Chippin' In is an album by drummer Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers recorded in 1990 and released on the Dutch Timeless label.
One for All is the final studio album by drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers recorded in 1990 and released on the A&M label.
The Jazz Messengers were a jazz combo that existed for over thirty-five years beginning in the early 1950s as a collective, and ending when long-time leader and founding drummer Art Blakey died in 1990. Blakey led or co-led the group from the outset. "Art Blakey" and "Jazz Messengers" became synonymous over the years, though Blakey did lead non-Messenger recording sessions and played as a sideman for other groups throughout his career.
"Yes sir, I'm gonna to stay with the youngsters. When these get too old, I'm gonna get some younger ones. Keeps the mind active."
The Art of Jazz: Live in Leverkusen is a live album by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers at the Leverkusen Jazz Festival in Germany on October 9, 1989. To commemorate Blakey's 70th birthday, the concert featured many special guests—most of whom were former Messengers. Singer Michelle Hendricks sang a song -- "Mr. Blakey"—composed for the occasion by founding Messenger Horace Silver.
Up Jumped Spring is an album by trombonist Curtis Fuller recorded in 2003 and released by the Delmark label the following year.
Monday Night at Birdland is a live album which was recorded at Birdland in 1958 by tenor saxophonists Hank Mobley and Billy Root, trombonists Kai Winding and Curtis Fuller, and trumpeter Lee Morgan. It was first released by the Roulette label. Symphony Sid wrote the liner notes.