Curtis Haywood

CURTIS HAYWOOD
BREAKOUT ARTISTAbyssJAZZ JULY/AUGUST 2007 9B Y L Y N D A H M A L L O Y -G L O V E R
nothing but the truth
CURTIS HAYWOOD
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.

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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.” - Rachelle