LIVE! at OPC!: Curtis Lundy Trio, Direct from New York

Join us Thursday January 20, 2022 at 7 pm (PDT) for an evening of hard-driving, swingin' jazz with renowned bassist, Curtis Lundy, direct from New York. Rounding out the trio will be Victor Jones on drums and Paul Cornish on piano.

ABOUT 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 -- straightedges ahead -- hard bop school. ​ Highly regarded for his robust, lyrical, 'leadership 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 voicing 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 he 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 Carty." ​ 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 -- Pharaoh Sanders, Johnny Griffin, Cyrus Chestnut, Larry Willis, Wallace Rooney, Warren Wolfe, Steve Nelson, as well as his sister renowned Vocalist Carmen Lundy. Lundy's arraignment of "Walk with Me," recorded by the Arc Gospel Choir was sampled by Rapper Kanye West and became the Grammy Award - Winning hit "Jesus Walks." ​ JazzTimes calls Lundy "one of the most spiritually uplifting bassists on the jazz scene today."

ABOUT LIVE at OPC!

Live at OPC! is a new Livestream concert series at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music produced in collaboration with Jazz in the Neighborhood. The concerts will feature a host of musicians from the Bay Area and beyond. One hundred percent of the ticket revenue benefits the OPC's youth programs that provide free music education for Black and Brown youth of Oakland.

Jazz in the Neighborhood is proud to help support the vital mission of the Oakland Public Conservatory. We are excited about working together on more projects moving forward.

Mario Guarneri, Founder and Artistic Director

Host or Publisher Oakland Public Conservatory of Music