Search - King Curtis :: New Scene of King Curtis

Eclectic and moving Jazz cd from an R&B great.

12/07/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This could well be my favorite jazz recording of all time. It's not innovative in any way, but the band's chemistry is really something - with Curtis on the tenor sax, Nat Adderley on the trumpet, Wynton Kelly on the keys, Paul Chambers on the base, and Ollie Jackson on the drums. Curtis really anchors this album, playing bluesy, R&B riffs over a hard-bop setting. Highly recommended."

A different side of the King

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 12/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When most listeners think of King Curtis, jazz comes to mind. It is instrumental jazz that has strong R&B and even rock 'n' roll sensibilities. Some might even consider what King Curtis played as simply instrumental R&B. Forget about all of that. Set aside the King Curtis that you thought you knew. This is the King playing straight jazz. As one of King Curtis' first albums, this is a serious, straight jazz effort. This 1960 release is a timeless gem. Most of the tunes are originals. With a bop feel, the mood is generally relaxed. The personnel list includes jazz greats like Paul Chambers and Wynton Kelly. Having been recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, the album earns additional street cred as a jazz project. Jazz listeners are likely to instantly fall in love with "The New Scene of King Curtis." Old time Curtis fans will discover a whole new dimension to the King. Get "The New Scene of King Curtis" because it's not everyday that you get to fall in love all over again."