Curtis Lundy
World-Renowned Bassist | Composer | Arranger | Grammy Nominated Recording Artist
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.”
JazzTimes calls Lundy “one of the most spiritually uplifting bassists on the jazz scene today.”
Lundy’s recordings are currently available on iTunes and Spotify. Visit www.curtislundy.com
Discography
Just Be Yourself Curtis Lundy Purpose Curtis Lundy Against All Odds Curtis Lundy Beatitudes Bobby Watson & Curtis Lundy Project Bobby Watson & Curtis Lundy Love Remains Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass) Jewel Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass) Live & Learn Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass) The Year Of The Rabbit Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass) From The Heart Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass) From Johnny Griffin With Love Johnny Griffin (Lundy on Bass) Bush Dance Johnny Griffin (Lundy on Bass) In Copenhagen Johnny Griffin & Lockjaw Davis (Lundy on Bass) On The Battlefield For My Lord (Arrangement by Lundy) Jazz Masters Lewis, Watson, Bergonzi, Barron, Fink & Lundy) Clark Terry Live in Concert Clark Terry (Lundy on Bass)
Discography
What Ever Happened To Love Betty Carter (Lundy on Bass) The Audience With Betty Carter Betty Carter (Lundy on Bass) I'm Your You're Mine Betty Carter (Lundy on Bass) Jazz And The New Songbook Carmen Lundy (Lundy on Bass) This Is Carmen Lundy Carmen Lundy (Lundy on Bass) Something To Believe In Carmen Lundy (Lundy on Bass) Good Morning Kiss Carmen Lundy (Lundy on Bass) Night In The Life Frank Morgan (Lundy on Bass) Raising The Standard Frank Morgan (Lundy on Bass) BOP! Frank Morgan (Lundy on Bass) Vietnam: The Aftermath Billy Bang (Lundy on Bass) Vietnam: Reflections Billy Bang (Lundy on Bass) Sweet Love Of Mine John Hicks (Lundy on Bass) Piece For My Peace John Hicks (Lundy on Bass) Big Bang Theory Billy Bang (Lundy on Bass) Zaius Jeri Brown (Lundy on Bass)
Discography
I've Got Your Number Jeri Brown (Lundy on Bass) Together Again For The First Time Jerry Bergonzi (Lundy on Bass) Woman On Fire: Mujer Ardiente Mayra Casales (Lundy on Bass) New Wonderland: The Best Of Jeri Brown Jeri Brown (Lundy on Bass) The Cosmosamatics 11 Michael Marcus, Curtis Lundy, Jay Rosen & Sonny Simmons Africa Pharoah Sanders (Lundy on Bass) Everything Must Change Johanne Blouin (Lundy on Bass) Walk With Me Arc Gospel Choir (Lundy, Director) Naima's Love Song John Hicks (Lundy on Bass) Swift Billy Robinson (Lundy on Bass) Thank You Lord Arc Gospel Choir (Lundy, Director) Gumbo Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass) In The Mix John Hicks (Lundy on Bass) Everlasting The Jazz Tribe (Lundy on Bass) The Next Step Bobby Watson (Lundy on Bass)
Awards
Sundance Film Festival Winner
The Farm
Filmography
Due Date
Dave Chappelle Block Party
Four Brothers
Jarhead
Drinking Apart: Families Under the Influence
America Undercover
Plays
Suicide in B Flat
Angel City
Back Bog Beast Bait
Aint MisBehavin
BMI Award Winner
Jesus Walks
This Is Why Im Hot
Television Appearances
Tom Snyder Show
Madrid Jazz Festival
Lisbon Jazz Festival
Over East A Betty Carter Live
Live from MT Fugi
This is Betty Carter Live from KC
Films
Harlem Diary
The Farm
Drinking Apart
Jar Head