“This guitar-vibes-bass-drums quartet initially reminds one of the Red Norvo - Tal Farlow - Charles Mingus vibes-guitar-bass trio of 1950. However, Peter Curtis' group is more modern than that and not derivative of any past models...Highly recommended."
- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Though Peter Curtis' forthcoming album Swing State marks his debut, he comes to this point in his career already equipped with an formidable resume. Curtis has recorded with Taj Mahal, Claudia Acuna, Freddie Cole and Barbara Morrison, has performed in Carnegie Hall, top jazz clubs all over Europe and Los Angeles and has appeared on Black Entertainment Television. Set for August 29 release, Swing State marks a creative milestone for the ascendant guitarist / composer / professor.
Fellow guitar master Mike Stern (recruited by Miles Davis) noted, “He has a beautiful sound, particularly on the acoustic guitar where his classical training comes through even in this jazz context." This statement is fully realized on Swing State, which opens with “Je Me Souviens," a catchy, Latin-hued meditation that immediately announces Curtis' artistic prowess and creative ambition. From there he counters with the cascading moodiness that introduces “The Thing," a showcase of beauty and virtuosity. Elsewhere, songs such as the title track and “Suz Blues" reveal Curtis' unique ability to move facilely from bebop to rock in a single piece. “I Knew His Father" introduces a blues-laced groove and a seemingly effortless performance.
Curtis enlisted a group of top shelf musicians for the Swing State sessions, including vibraphonist Eldad Tarmu (Ernie Watts, Freddy Hubbard, Billy Higgins), bassist Jiro Plutschow (Andy Summers of the Police, Syd Jacobs, Dick Weller), and drummer Richard Weller (Diane Schuur, Fred Hersch, Mike Manieri). On Swing State the group performs original compositions as well as their own takes on the great works of Thelonious Monk, Stevie Wonder and Django Reinhardt - to whose playing Curtis' has been likened.
In addition to Swing State and his multitudinous musical pursuits, Peter Curtis is currently collaborating with Joel Ynofski on a musical comedy set for completion in Fall 2006. Swing State is available on CDBaby.com and iTunes.com, with additional venues being added.
“Peter's songs and playing jump right out at you. Each tune has a unique personality of its own and with the use of a beautifully recorded classical guitar and some electric (with occasional devices) playing, the improvising is equally strong and creative and a joy; the whole band is great!"
- Renowned acoustic jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini
For more information contact All About Jazz.
