Ted Curson - Quicksand (1974)

1. Spiderlegs (7:39)
2. Tears For Dolphy (7:59)
3. Typical Ted (7:08)
4. Greasy As A Porkchop (5:43)		play
5. Sugar 'N Spice (6:42)
6. Quicksand (11:27)

Ted Curson Nonet [Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5]:
Ted Curson - Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet
Robin Kenyatta - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Nick Brignola - Baritone & Tenor Saxophones, Saxello
Kenny Barron - Piano, Electric Piano
Herb Bushler - Bass, Electric Bass
Albert Heath - Drums
Butch Curson - Drums, Percussion
Lawrence Killian - Conga, Bell Tree
Chicky Johnson - Bongo, Timpani

Ted Curson Quintet [Tracks: 2, 6]:
Ted Curson - Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet
Robin Kenyatta - Alto Saxophone
Kenny Barron - Piano
Richard Davis - Bass
Albert Heath – Drums

Ted Curson reports: "The sessions sounded pretty good to me, but the next day when I went to listen to the tapes, Michael Cuscuna (the producer) said, 'Oh, did you know that Robin Kenyatta was here and he did all his solos over?'" - All About Jazz, 7 Dec. 2004.

This is such a great album. All tunes have Ted as a driving force throughout. Robin Kenyatta's reed mastery, in particular his alto tone adds to the impact. Kenny Barron's piano playing rounds off the tunes, with some delicate solo passages, and spurs on the rest of the players. When the Nonet gets a chance to play Nick Brignola in particular takes up the challenge and brings the compositions to life with his unique baritone & tenor sound. The rhythm section is faultless with all sorts of hip percussion taking place. The different styles between Herb Bushler and Richard Davis's bass is quite remarkable. Both are heard putting in some wonderful performances.

'Spiderlegs' starts it all off with a blast. The Ted Curson Nonet gets into full swing with some great backing coming from the reed players as the percussion and rhythm sections drive it all forward. In the next tune 'Tears For Dolphy' the Quintet jumps in with much softer tune verging on ballad where both Ted, Robin and Kenny weave their magic. Behind it all is Richard's hipnotic bass held together by Albert Heath on drums. The next composition 'Typical Ted' lures the Nonet back into action with a lively Latin Jazz piece. Kenny's electric piano sets the groundwork for some fiery interchanges. The bass and percussive teams compliment the soloists with a very tight conga and bongo backing. 'Greasy As A Porkchop' highlights Nick Brignola's baritone & tenor up against Ted's punchy horn. Robin as well gets in on the act. All the time Lawrence Killian’s conga keeps the pace. The skills of the percussionists are brought to the fore again in 'Sugar 'N Spice'. Here Ted centers the rest of the Nonet with some unique interplay, especially with Kenny and Albert. Finally the Quintet comes together again to showcase one of Ted's masterful compositions 'Quicksand'. His trumpet highlights some of the group’s high energy playing in particular Robin pushes the envelope. In addition Kenny gets a chance to add his expertise weaving a very lively solo followed by Richard' enthralling bass lines. This leaves Albert to place his mark. Ted's high pitched use of the piccolo trumpet works in with Robin's alto to wind out the composition. Overall this is well thought out and produced album. It is must for any Ted Curson fan.

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