Ted Curson’s 1961 release, 'Plenty Of Horn,' remains a vivid testament to the restless spirit of early 60s jazz. A former sideman to Charles Mingus, Curson steps confidently into the spotlight here, assembling a remarkable ensemble that includes Eric Dolphy and Bill Barron. The album is a heady exploration of hard bop, but it never feels constrained by the genre’s conventions. Instead, Curson’s compositions swing from brooding ballads to bristling, angular improvisations, with his trumpet and flugelhorn displaying both technical mastery and emotional nuance.
For collectors, 'Plenty Of Horn' stands out not just for its historic lineup but for the way it captures a moment of transition in jazz—bridging tradition and the avant-garde. Each track is layered with intriguing details: Dolphy’s biting alto, the rhythmic inventiveness of drums and bass, and Curson’s willingness to stretch melodic boundaries. This is an album for those who appreciate when jazz takes risks—where improvisation isn’t just a feature, but the driving force. Give this record a spin and you’ll find yourself drawn into a world where every note feels urgent and new.
Track List:
A1 - Caravan - 2:54
A2 - Nosruc - 6:21
A3 - The Things We Did Last Summer - 4:24
A4 - Dem's Blues - 3:42
A5 - Ahma (See Ya) - 4:22
B1 - Flatted Fifth - 3:35
B2 - Bali-H'ai - 3:57
B3 - Antibes - 5:05
B4 - Mr. Teddy - 5:12