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Curtis Lundy

Curtis Lundy is arguably one of the most prolific — in-demand bassists on the modern jazz scene — he is a disciple of the mainstream — straight ahead — hard bop school. ​

Highly regarded for his robust, lyrical, ‘lead from the front’ approach to the acoustic bass — he delivers an unsurpassed brand of masterful excellence in performing standards, originals and the American songbook. His fluid voicings and exceptional dexterity allow listeners to delve into a song — in any time signature — with an equal measure of challenge and enjoyment. ​

A native of Miami, Florida Lundy was nurtured in a musical family and began playing music early in life. Ultimately, he made the bass his instrument of choice in his early teens. ​

The Grammy-nominated composer, arranger and recording artist studied music at the University of Miami. He left Miami in the late 1970’s for New York City — the Jazz Mecca — where quickly established his formidable talents. Soon thereafter he came to the attention of legendary Vocalist Betty Carter. He quickly won her confidence and during this celebrated association — he rose to prominence —anchoring the rhythm section — with colleagues John Hicks on piano and Kenny Washington on drums. He is prominently featured on the Carter signature original “Tight’ memorialized on the iconic recording “the Audience with Betty Carter.”

​ Lundy also gained notoriety as co-leader of ‘Horizon’ — which became an extended model of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers— with renowned alto saxophonist and University of Miami Classmate — composer, arranger and recording artist — Bobby Watson – the band featured many of the young Turks and masters of the New York jazz scene in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s – The band also featured Vibraphonist Steve Nelson and his sister Vocalist Carmen Lundy.

His credentials as a sideman and his recording pedigree is impeccable – it places him among an elite roster of contemporary jazz luminaries — Lundy has performed and recorded with — Pharoah Sanders, Johnny Griffin, Cyrus Chestnut, Larry Willis, Wallace Rooney, Warren Wolfe, Steve Nelson, as well as his sister renowned Vocalist Carmen Lundy. Lundy’s arrangement of “Walk with Me,” recorded by the Arc Gospel Choir was sampled by Rapper Kanye West became the Grammy Award - Winning hit “Jesus Walks.”

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9
Album Review

Pharoah Sanders Quartet: Live At Fabrik

Read "Live At Fabrik" reviewed by Chris May


One reason Pharoah Sanders was such a special artist was the prismatic nature of his music. When Sanders lit on to a new avenue of investigation, he did not in the process reject what he had been doing up until that moment. Instead, he wove the new perspective into the existing structure, enriching rather than replacing it. The result was a rainbow in which the joins between what might have been, in lesser hands, incompatible instead became inaudible, and the ...

118
Album Review

Curtis Lundy: Purpose

Read "Purpose" reviewed by Jim Santella


As if working a nightclub session in the wee hours of the morning, Curtis Lundy's quintet purrs with a smooth sound and a subtle, but forceful, rhythmic drive. The bassist was a student at Miami University in 1979 when Betty Carter “discovered" him and brought him to New York. Since then, he's had many opportunities to work clubs and concert halls in search of the right setting for creating mainstream jazz. Against All Odds, his previous album, and Purpose remind ...

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Performance / Tour

"Raising the Bar" Jazz Series Legacy Trio: Curtis Lundy, Rodney Kendrick and Craig Haynes at Beanrunner Cafe

"Raising the Bar" Jazz Series Legacy Trio: Curtis Lundy, Rodney Kendrick and Craig Haynes at Beanrunner Cafe

Source: PublicEye

Earl John Powell presents “Raising The Bar” Jazz Series @ BeanRunner Cafe in Peekskill NY

The Legacy Trio Curtis Lundy, Rodney Kendrick and Craig Haynes Performing the music of Monk, Bud, Roy & Abbey Saturday, May 23rd 2009 @7:30 p.m.

Peekskill, NY: “Raising The Bar” Jazz Series presented by Earl John Powell, son of the amazing Bud Powell will feature a live jazz performance by The Legacy Trio featuring Jazz greats Curtis Lundy-bass, Rodney ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Live At Fabrik

Jazzline Classics
2023

buy

Back Home in Kansas...

Smoke Sessions Records
2023

buy

In-Motion

Self Produced
2023

buy

Fade To Black

Afrasia Productions
2022

buy

ALL IN!!!!!

Ayanuze Entertainment
2019

buy

Purpose

Justin Time Records
2002

buy

Dreams and Nightmares

From: ALL IN!!!!!
By Curtis Lundy

Videos

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