Personnel: Curtis Fuller (trombone); Red Garland (piano); Sonny Red (alto saxophone); Paul Chambers (bass); Louis Hayes (drums). Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on May 14, 1957. Includes liner notes by Robert Levin. Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (1995, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California. CURTIS FULLER WITH RED GARLAND, recorded in 1957, is filled with remarkable performances by Fuller and his quintet. The opening track, "Seeing Red," immediately sets the scene, showing off the improvisational prowess of this lauded trombonist. Fuller's playing is smooth and articulate, and his tone is dark and breathy; these qualities are enhanced by the stunning support of pianist Red Garland. There are only two standards on this record--the reflective and picturesque ballads "Stormy Weather" and "Moonlight Becomes You." Teddy Charles's tune "Roc & Troll" is also exceptional; it swings hard, and features fine solos from Fuller, Garland, and alto saxophonist Sonny Red Kyner (credited here as just "Sonny Red"). Interestingly, on this tune, Kyner briefly quotes the melody from the Rodgers & Hart composition "Bewitched" in his solo. An inspired set, CURTIS FULLER WITH RED GARLAND is one of the best neo-bop albums of the '50s.