The Opener

The Opener is an album by American jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller, recorded on June 16, 1957 and released on Blue Note later that year—his debut for the label.

Reception
The AllMusic review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine states, "The Opener is trombonist Curtis Fuller's first album for Blue Note and it is a thoroughly impressive affair."

Track listing

 * All compositions by Curtis Fuller except as indicated

Side 1

 * 1) "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening" (Harold Adamson, Jimmy McHugh) – 6:52
 * 2) "Hugore" – 6:43
 * 3) "Oscalypso" (Oscar Pettiford) – 5:40

Side 2

 * 1) "Here's to My Lady" (Rube Bloom, Johnny Mercer) – 6:43
 * 2) "Lizzy's Bounce" – 5:25
 * 3) "Soon" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) – 5:33

Musicians

 * Curtis Fuller – trombone
 * Hank Mobley – tenor saxophone (except "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening", "Here's to My Lady")
 * Bobby Timmons – piano
 * Paul Chambers – bass
 * Art Taylor – drums

Technical personnel

 * Alfred Lion – producer
 * Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer
 * Reid Miles – design
 * Francis Wolff – photography
 * Robert Levin – liner notes