“My Sole intent, when I play, is for my voice to resonate to the core of your soul. I want the music to penetrate your body, your mind, and your spirit. I want my music to be a sacred blessing and for you on some level to come away whole”

About Curtis
With the release of his first solo CD, saxophonist & Brooklyn native, Curtis Haywood recalls, "My first encounter with music is a story my mom passed on to me. I was about 5-6 yrs of age and I had received my first instrument –a trumpet. When it was bedtime I absolutely refused to go to bed without it. Now being of West-Indian descent, my parents were obviously not trying to have any ‘back mout' from dis here little child! Finally, convinced that they had lost the battle they allowed me to sleep with my trumpet."

In that simple story is the first glimpse of a musical life. With that first instrument, Curtis showed an aptitude for and a love of music that even in grade school was obvious to everyone that encountered him, teachers and fellow students alike. Always curious, Curtis one day picked up the sax.

In school, Curtis was chosen out of some 5000 candidates to attend New York's prestigious High School for the Performing Arts, where he studied relentlessly & graduated in 1984. The discipline and structure of that experience has paid off and is obvious in all that he does. Later, he attended Berklee College in Boston and studied audio engineering.

Curtis spent most of his time listening to and learning from his musical influences: Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn, Bob Mintzer, Kenny Garrett, and his namesake 'King Curtis'. Now with the release of his self titled solo project, it is evident that he has forged his own style.

With the penetrating sound of his soprano sax, Curtis means to speak to each individual and share with them his passion for music and helping people. His skillful performances bring new life to the soulful interpretations of R&B favorites and contemporary jazz originals. The voice and passion of Curtis Haywood is clearly heard throughout each track on his new album.

Charity Involvement

Curtis’ interest in helping others through music comes from a passion for history and the people of Ethiopia. Curtis states “There is overwhelming evidence of Ethiopia being the cradle of all mankind. Simply put, all human life could very well have begun from this region of the earth. However, it is ravaged with famine and considered one of the world’s poorest countries where people struggle daily for their most basic of needs.” His single Rain Song is as much about awareness as it is a call to action. Curtis aligns himself with Feed the Children, which helps supply food for the people of Ethiopia and around the globe. Curtis hopes one day to fulfill his dream of performing there and perhaps creating a sustainable music therapy program. To see how you can help, please visit www.feedthechildren.org.

Performances:

Curtis has performed on the stage or on the same bill with the following: Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes & The Intruders, The Temptations Review, Kirk Franklin, Sounds of Blackness and The Noel Pointer Band in concert with Dave Valentine.

Curtis’ work with his former jazz fusion group, Joshua has lead him to perform at the New Artist showcase at Capital Jazz Festival in Washington D.C., on the Christmas Holiday Tour with Grammy Award Winners “Take 6” at the International African Arts Festival NYC and at B. Smith’s Rooftop Café, for their CD release and several shows.

Accomplishments

98.7 KISS FM featured interview and airing of Monet
BCAT Cable, Cablevision Community Broadcast
Nat’l Cable Broadcast (Sky Angel, Church Channel, TBN)
Lead Saxophone in Joshua, whose debut CD aired on CD 101.9 NY
Joshua won Top Instrumental Group at the New Talent Competition
BET on Jazz presents "Jazz meets Latin" Roy Wilkins park NYC
Won Contemporary Jazz category at Philadelphia Music Conference
Reviews

“Awesome work! Excellent arrangements and strong licks.” –Rachelle Bivins, Abyss Jazz Magazine

“Curtis’ live performances are not to be missed! Definitely a favorite with New York audiences!” -Kim Giles, Beyond One Entertainment