SOLD OUT: Bassist Curtis Lundy Performs Selections from Bags and Trane

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

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.  Jazz Times calls Lundy “one of the most spiritually uplifting bassists on the jazz scene today.”  Bags & Trane is an album by Milt Jackson and John Coltrane, released in 1961. Taking its title from Jackson and Coltrane's nicknames, it is the only collaborative record by the pair, although only Jackson contributed original compositions.

Lundy will be accompanied by Craig Handy (saxophonist), George Caldwell (piano), Eric Kennedy (drums) and Joe Doubleday (vibraphone)

Highly regarded for his robust, lyrical, ‘lead from the front’ approach to the acoustic bass, Lundy 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, the Grammy-nominated composer, arranger and recording artist studied music at the University of Miami. 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, as well as vibraphonist Steve Nelson and his sister vocalist Carmen Lundy. 

His credentials as a sideman and his recording pedigree are impeccable placing him among an elite roster of contemporary jazz luminaries. Lundy has performed and recorded with Pharoah Sanders, Johnny Griffin, Cyrus Chestnut, Larry Willis, Wallace Roney and Warren Wolf. 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.” 

Tenor saxophonist Craig Handy attended North Texas State University. His distinctive sound and authentic instrumental prowess were redoubtable traits immediately noticed by artists of stature, especially those committed to nurturing new talent on the bandstand and road.

Handy moved to New York in 1986 and began several associations with formidable artists including master drummers Art Blakey and Roy Haynes, South African melodist Abdullah Ibrahim, and the Mingus Dynasty Band. During a Mingus Dynasty engagement, one audience member – none other than an impressed Bill Cosby – approached Handy and eventually invited him to be the featured soloist in his sitcom’s music theme for 1989-90’s “The Cosby Show”. This was followed by a contract to score, produce, and perform music slated for “The Cosby Mysteries” 1994-95 season.

Pianist George Caldwell hails from Clarksdale, Mississippi. After a brief stint with Clifford Jordan, Caldwell followed Mulgrew Miller into the piano chair of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, leading to seven years with The Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Frank Foster. Some of the many great artists he has shared the bandstand with include Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Frank Wess, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Joe Williams, George Benson, Kenny Garrett, Art Blakey, Savion Glover, Lou Rawls, Lionel Hampton, George Coleman, Louis Smith, Joe Newman, Roy Hargrove, Bobby McFerrin, Max Roach, and Jon Faddis.

Sponsored by the Liberty Partnerships Program at SUNY Buffalo State

Admission: $20/ $10 for BPAC members and Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society (PMLJS) members

**HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**

Advance tickets are available by calling 716-878-6011 during gallery hours.