Trombonist Curtis Fuller’s debut as a leader was a strong start to the 22-year-old’s career. Already a strong player in the J.J. Johnson mold, Fuller blends in well with altoist Sonny Red, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Louis Hayes on the fine straight-ahead date. The CD reissue adds “Alicia” to the original five-song program. While four of the six tunes are originals, their chord changes are generally easy to recognize (two are blues, and “Vonce #5″ borrows from “I Got Rhythm,” and all of the musicians fare quite well. – Scott Yanow