An excellent and flexible trumpeter, Ted Curson will always be best known for his work with Charles Mingus' 1960 quartet (which also included Eric Dolphy and Dannie Richmond).

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 3, 1935, Curson studied at Granoff Musical Conservatory; moved to New York in 1956; played with Mal Waldron, Red Garland, and Philly Joe Jones; and recorded with Cecil Taylor (1961).

After the 1959-1960 Mingus association (which resulted in some classic recordings), Curson co-led a quintet with Bill Barron (1960-1965), played with Max Roach, and led his own groups. He spent time from the late '60s on in Europe (particularly Denmark) but had a lower profile than one would expect after returning to the U.S. in 1976.

He led sessions for Old Town (1961), Prestige, Fontana, Atlantic, Arista, Inner City, Interplay, Chiaroscuro, and several European labels.

Curson died of a heart attack on November 4, 2012. He was 77 years old.

Scott Yanow —All Music Guide