Curtis
Haywood
 Nothing
But The Truth
His induction into the world of music was a gift from his parents.
“My first memory of music is a story my mom passed on to me.
‘I was about five or six and had received my first instrument,
the trumpet. When it came time for me to go to bed, I absolutely refused
to go without my trumpet. Now, being of West Indian decent, my parents
were obviously not trying to have any back mout’ from dis here
little child, which was spoken with a West Indian accent. Finally
convinced that they had lost the battle, my parents allowed me to
sleep with my trumpet.’
His prowess for music was a gift from God. That simple story magnificently
illustrates that on a soul level, Curtis Haywood knew his reason for
being, and at an early age, he showed an aptitude for and a love of
music. With this awareness, he began shaping his musical identity.
Curtis studied music in the early 70’s with his dad at the New
Muse in Brooklyn, New York. He also attended New York’s prestigious
high school of the Performing Arts, graduating in 1984, as well as
Berklee College of Music, where he studied alongside famed alumni
Cyrus Chestnut, Will Calhoun, and Javon Jackson.
“Music is a surgical tool that liberates your soul from your
mind and body. As I look back, I know why I’m such a well-rounded
appreciator of all styles of music. My influences come from calypso,
rhythm & blues, swing/big band, and classical music.” Haywood
continued to hone his skills and forge his unique style by listening
and learning from musical mentors, Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn,
Bob Mintzer of the Yellow Jackets, Kenny Garrett, and his namesake,
King Curtis.
As a soloist and lead sax voice in Joshua, a contemporary jazz/funk
band, Haywood has shared the stage with legendary performers like
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, The Intruders, and The Temptations
(with Otis Redman), as well as, gospel greats Kirk Franklin, Richard
Smallwood, Take 6, and Sounds of Blackness, just to name a few.
For everything, there is a time and a season. A time to plant and
a time to grow, as well as a time to show us what you’re working
with. In June of 2007, Haywood released his debut album, appropriately
titled, Curtis Haywood. And, what is Haywood working
with? For starters, he has a spirited horn; it’s wide open and
he’s giving you a full sound. Simply stated, Curtis can blow.
Secondly is his posse. Haywood had a great supporting cast in the
musicians used to make this project a happening. Number three, tight
arrangements and the dude is a writer, too (Manee’
and Rain Song). And, most importantly are the licks. What
is jazz without the licks? Does elevator music ring any bells?
When the voice of Curtis Haywood’s saxophone is heard, words
like sultry, enthusiastic, and riveting are used to describe his energetic
horn. Haywood brings new life and soulful arrangements to his passionate
interpretations of R&B favorites and contemporary jazz. “My
sole intent when I play is for my voice to be felt sharper than any
double-edged sword. I want the music to penetrate your body, your
mind, and your spirit, letting God do the rest.” |
