Search - Curtis Haywood :: Curtis Haywood

SmoothJazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 07/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On sax man Curtis Haywood's web site you'll find this quote: "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." These words come from a man, Brooklyn born and raised, who, as a youngster of five or six, was given a trumpet by his parents. He refused to go to bed without it! Even without this background insight, I'm certain you'd still get from this grand collection of quality "in-the-pocket" Smooth Jazz tunes that Curtis possesses an enormous amount of talent and passion. His brilliant soprano sax work vibrates with a maturity belying the fact that this is his first solo release. The dozen tracks include 9 quality originals, including a re-mix, and 3 covers (Brian McKnight's "Anytime," Stevie Wonder's "Creepin'," and Musique Soulchild's "Just Friends - Sunny"). We here at SmoothJazz.com really dig "Anytime," "Manee (Mon-et)" + the re-mix, "Rain Song (A Prayer for Ethiopia)," as well as "Springtime." Expect Curtis Haywood to rapidly become a household name in Smooth Jazz! I submit his self-titled debut CD to you as incontrovertible evidence! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN"