Title: Alamode
Artist: Kischuk, Ron
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 880925121826
Genre: Jazz

It is a remarkable opportunity to get the chance to work with an historic jazz musician. I have been fortunate to have worked with a great number of them in my career, but none has been more rewarding for me than working with NEA Jazz Master and legend Curtis Fuller. Curtis came to Detroit in the fall of 2012 to work with the Masters of Music Trombones at the Detroit Jazz Festival. When we first spoke on the phone, I knew instantly that he was a special man. Maybe it's the Detroit connection that we share, maybe it's the fact that he lived the history and is most comfortable with who he is. Whatever the reason, we bonded almost instantly. During our first conversation I asked if he would consider recording with the group while in Detroit to perform with us, kind of like a homecoming of sorts (Curtis also performed with the Detroit "Homecoming" band at the 2012 Detroit Jazz Festival). Curtis instantly agreed, stating he would play one or two tunes on the recording - which was simultaneously exciting and overwhelming. This was a great responsibility and fantastic musical journey all in one. I decided to ask Russ Miller to write an arrangement of a Curtis Fuller original composition for the live performance as well as the recording. When Curtis was asked what tune he wanted arranged, he thought for a moment and promptly suggested "Alamode", a song he had written for Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, first recorded on "Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers", the 1961 Impulse! Release. We met for the first time at the recording studio and from the first notes he played, Curtis become more and more comfortable. He played on one tune, two tunes, then decided that he might want to play on a third, then a fourth. He was what I have learned is vintage Curtis Fuller, laughing, telling stories and playing in the style only he can play, loving life and music and for him, they are one in the same. His playing was great, with many musical references to his recorded past while still delivering fresh new musical ideas. The group played a blistering concert at the festival, and after a couple of joint commitments and a few more moments together, Curtis was off to his next gig! In honor of his upcoming 80th birthday, it is my privilege to dedicate this recording to the great Jazz Master, Curtis Fuller. Curtis Fuller Curtis Fuller was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1934. He came to music late, playing the baritone horn in high school and switching to the trombone at age 16. He went to school with Paul Chambers and Donald Byrd, and knew Tommy Flanagan, Thad Jones and Milt Jackson. In 1953, Curtis left the local scene to serve a two-year stint in the Army where he met and played with Paul Chambers, Cannonball Adderley and Junior Mance. When he returned home, he began working with Yusef Lateef's Quintet. Curtis Fuller was the first trombonist to be a member of the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, and later became the sixth man in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1961-1965. In the early 1960s he recorded two albums as a leader for Impulse! Records. He was later part of Dizzy Gillespie's band, and went on to tour with Count Basie and reunited with both Blakey and Golson. Curtis also recorded and worked with Kai Winding, Cedar Walton, The Timeless All-Stars and the revamped Jazztet. Ron Kischuk Ron Kischuk is in his fifth season as the artistic director of the Toledo Jazz Orchestra. He is also on the adjunct faculty of Wayne State University, teaching both classical and jazz trombone. Ron is a Yamaha clinician and performing artist and is the leader of the Masters of Music Big Band, The Tartarsauce Traditional Jazz Band, and owns Brassworks Entertainment and The Masters of Music Teaching Studio in Royal Oak. Ron is the Detroit area's most prominent trombonist. He has been a featured soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on several occasions. His Masters of Music Big Band has backed up Johnny Mathis, Hal Linden, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, and Regis Philbin among others. Ron has 14 previous CD releases as leader, and has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Vickie Winans, Tim Bowman, The Four Tops, The Emerald Sinfonietta and is lead trombone on the Grammy winning soundtrack Standing in The Shadows of Motown and his recent appearance with Elaine Stritch in her documentary, Shoot Me. Personnel: Guest Soloist - Curtis Fuller Lead Trombone - Ron Kischuk Tenor Trombones - Ed Gooch, Mike Rumbell, Vincent Chandler Bass Trombones - Al Duncan, George Troia Piano - Gary Schunk Bass - Jeff Halsey Drums - Dave Taylor Trombone Solo Order: Yardbird Suite: Curtis Fuller, Ron Kischuk, Al Duncan Alamode: Curtis Fuller, Al Duncan, Vincent Chandler Enigma: Ron Kischuk Concepts In Blue: Vincent Chandler Killer Joe: Ed Gooch, Vincent Chandler Stablemates: Vincent Chandler Heaven: Acapella Trombones It's Alright With Me: Ron Kischuk, Curtis Fuller, Ed Gooch Con Alma: Bass Solo Straight No Chaser: Ed Gooch, Al Duncan, Curtis Fuller, Vincent Chandler, Ron Kischuk Lament: Solo Piano Track.

Tracks:
1.1 Yardbird Suite
1.2 Alamode
1.3 Enigma
1.4 Concepts in Blue
1.5 Killer Joe
1.6 Stablemates
1.7 Heaven
1.8 It's Alright with Me
1.9 Con Alma
1.10 Straight No Chaser
1.11 Lament

Audio Sample:
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