Before I met or had a working relationship with Luques and Zaccai Curtis, I was a follower. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow personally and professionally. The interview’s inspiration came from a conversation with Luques about making the leap from sideman to a leader. At the time, he was hesitant, slowly warming up to the idea. Luques is one of the hardest-working and most popular bassists in today’s music scene. Also, he and his brother, pianist Zaccai Curtis are the co-founders of the Truth Revolution Recording Collective. In this intimate, one-on-one interview, Luques shares his insights on his career, the music business, and the future.
Tomás Peña: Is there anybody you haven’t performed with?
Luques Curtis: (Laughs) I seem to be with everybody!
TP: Congratulations on being selected as a Rising Bassist on Downbeat’s 64th Annual Critics Poll (see Downbeat, August 2016).
LC: I’m honored and thankful for the recognition. I’m especially grateful to journalist Ted Panken and the photographer Guinara Khamatova.
TP: You started as a drummer.
I wanted to be the drummer in my brother Zaccai’s middle school band, but the spot was taken. The director, Mr. Hooper, a great teacher, and mentor, knew that my dad owned a bass. He invited me to join the band as a bassist. My dad, Ted, was taking bass lessons, and I accompanied him. At first, I was reluctant (to take up the bass), but after one week, I surpassed my father, who had taken lessons for one month.
LC: I was eleven.
TP: Did your father continue his lessons?
LC: No, he quit. He says he took up the bass to inspire me!
TP: You have an elder brother, Damian.
LC: Damian did everything first. He’s a pianist, producer, and bandleader. He paved the way for me and my brother.
TP: Your parents – Ted and Abby – are very supportive. In a past interview, Zaccai said: “My dad was a big fan of music in general. I still remember, everywhere we went, there was music playing, or we went to concerts. My dad was always a fan of jazz and R&B, funk, or whatever. He didn’t have any borders; he wanted us to listen to everything.”
LC: That’s true. On Saturday’s my dad woke us up early and drove a bus full of kids (members of the band, Latin Flavor) to see The Jazz Mobile. Also, he ran errands, drove us to our lessons, took us to shows; you name it. My mother was always there too. She played the tambourine in church.
TP: I’ve often heard you say you have been, “blessed by the elders.” How so?
LC: It’s a reference to a long line of teachers and mentors such as (saxophonist) Donald Harrison, who played a significant role in our development. I joined his band in 2001; it was the first time I traveled with a group. When Donald learned that Zaccai is a pianist he invited him to sit in. Shortly after that, Zaccai joined the band. Donald taught us things on the road, life lessons, stage etiquette, things that every musician should know.
TP: He “schooled” you in the jazz tradition.
LC: He graduated from, “The School of Art Blakey” and The Jazz Messengers and paid it forward. After Donald, I toured with vibraphonist Gary Burton. His methodology was entirely different. He is very professional, structured and detail-oriented. He gave us itineraries! I learned a lot from him. Next, Zaccai and I joined drummer Ralph Peterson, who is arguably Art Blakey’s successor. He “subbed” him when he couldn’t make a gig.
TP: I had the pleasure of catching the trio at Dizzy’s (Jazz at Lincoln Center) earlier this year. Ralph comes from a long line of drummers, including the late, great Art Blakey. Also, he knows his way around a trumpet. Great show.
LC: It was a lot of fun. Later, I hooked up with (trumpeter) Brian Lynch, who introduced me to Eddie Palmieri when he was seeking a bass player. I auditioned for Eddie. Afterward, he said, “I’ll call you” and I thought to myself, “Yeah, whatever.” Shortly after that, I got the call. The rest is history (Laughs).
TP: You grew up listening to Palmieri’s music. Does it feel surreal to be performing with an artist whose music you revered as a child?
LQ: All the time! The tune, Café (with La Perfecta) was one of my favorite songs when I was a kid. I don’t speak Spanish, but the vibe, the swing, and the pulse of the tune. In answer to your question, yes, to be on stage with “that guy,” night after night, is mind-blowing.
TP: Chucho Valdes also took an interest in you and your brother at a young age.
LC: Chucho brought us to Cuba twice (1998, 2000), when I was fifteen and seventeen.
TP: Other influences include Andy Gonzalez and Joe Santiago.
