Search - Ted Curson :: Sugar 'n Spice

Mr. Curson states, "This is my first album of straight bop recordings in a long, long time". "Sugar 'n Spice" is Ted Curson's 24th album since his first solo release in 1961. Mr. Curson started his professional career in the mid-50's. With the encouragement of Miles Davis, he moved to New York City and in 1960 came to international recognition as part of the Charles Mingus band (which, at the time, also featured Eric Dolphy). Ted Curson's "penetrating, muscular-toned trumpet style", as observed by DOWN BEAT, is found in abundance on this set of ten standards and originals. "With this whole album", says Mr. Curson, "I'm getting close to going full circle with my career. These are the kind of tunes that made me want to start playing jazz...way back...a long time ago." The straight-ahead jazz approach to "Sugar 'n Spice" gives Mr. Curson a chance to show his soulful as well as his swingin' side. Songs like the standard "Georgia" and the original "Marjo" just melt the listener until all that's left is a tender heart, while the cool funkiness of "Summertime" and the swinging blues of "Playhouse March" can find the jazz fan in anybody. "Sugar 'n Spice" is produced by Mr. Curson's long-time friend, Lenny Argese. Mr. Argese, who plays guitar on this session, is a member of the Spirit Of Life Ensemble, runs his own studio and has recorded with Joe Puma, Teddy Wilson and scores of others. The rest of the band bring along their own considerable credentials: Michael Cochrane (piano) has four solo albums and has recorded and toured with Sonny Fortune, Clark Terry, Michael Brecker and many others; Calvin Hill (bass) has played and done sessions with such legends as Max Roach, McCoy Tyner and Betty Carter; Bruce Cox (drums) toured with the Sun Ra Arkestra in 1980, and has recorded and toured with Fred Welsey, Pee Wee Ellis and Sonny Rollins.