Zaccai Curtis
Zaccai Curtis is a recognized composer and pianist in jazz and Latin jazz circles. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Mr. Curtis is in high demand as a sideman, having performed with jazz greats Ralph Peterson, Bill Saxton, Christian Scott, Brian Lynch, Sean Jones, Jimmy Greene, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band, Papo Vasquez, Kendrick Oliver and the New Life Orchestra, and the Donald Harrison Quintet. Mr. Curtis leads his own Latin jazz groups, the septet Insight and quartet Rhythmic Prophecies (with brother Luques on bass, Richie Barshay on drums, and Reinaldo de Jesus on congas). He has also won several ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards (2005-2008; Honorable Mention, 2009) for his original Latin jazz compositions. Mr. Curtis is a graduate of New England Conservatory where he studied with Danilo Perez, Jerry Bergonzi, Steve Lacy, Charlie Banacos and Michael Cain.
Zaccai makes his foray into composing Exotica with “Craving,” featured on W7’s debut album, Adventures in Paradise.
Hello Zaccai,
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m a latin jazz composer and artist, and I was recommended to your sound by Sylvia Pfeiffenberger (WXDU “Azucar Y Candela”).
On her last playlist, she followed up one of my tunes with one of yours and suggested I give you guys a listen. Well, I did, and I am very impressed with your sound. Very hip…
Anyway, should you be interested in trading CD’s, I’d welcome the exchange. My sound is more traditional afro-cuban latin jazz leaning towards Peruchin and/or Sergio Mendes. The thing about my CD is that it was totally digitally generated (i.e. via computer, with some very good sound libraries). I’m currently playing my music with a newly formed quartet.
Thanks for reading and I hope to hear you guys live one day if you’re ever in the tri-state area (NY/NJ/CT).
Ciao…
Frank Villafañe