Ted Curson

An outstandingly adaptable trumpeter whose reputation rests above all on his contributions to the 1960 edition of Charles Mingus’ quartet alongside Eric Dolphy and Dannie Richmond, Ted Curson trained at the Granoff Musical Conservatory before relocating to New York in 1956. Once there he worked with Mal Waldron, Red Garland, and Philly Joe Jones and appeared on a Cecil Taylor date in 1961. The classic recordings that emerged from his 1959–1960 stint with Mingus were followed by a co-led quintet with Bill Barron that lasted until 1965, further engagements with Max Roach, and leadership of his own ensembles. From the late 1960s onward Curson resided mainly in Europe, especially Denmark, and upon his return to the United States in 1976 he maintained a lower profile than his earlier accomplishments might have suggested. His discography as a leader includes dates for Old Town in 1961 as well as Prestige, Fontana, Atlantic, Arista, Inner City, Interplay, Chiaroscuro, and assorted European imprints. On November 4, 2012, Curson suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 77.