Vol. XXV, No. 17  August 13 - August 26, 2001

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These artist reviews can also be found in the current paper edition of Music Connection magazine.

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Contact: Doug Deutsch 323-463-1091/www.curtisguitar.com

The Players: Curtis, guitar; Don Mouck, bass; Scott Shepherd, drums.

Material: Curtis is a guitarslinger with a worldwide view and the technical ability to explore it. Displaying the swagger of Dick Dale with the bravado of the Ventures, he opened this gig with a surf-rock tune, presumably because the venue was Rusty’s Surf Ranch. Throughout the rest of the set he illustrated his versatile virtuosity in every imaginable genre, from rock to jazz to reggae. All of the songs are instrumental, but that’s the only simple thing about them. In essence, Curtis is a living encyclopedia of music and his guitar is his voice.

Musicianship: This is a player whose soul is in his fingers. Curtis makes his instrument cry, shriek and soothe with the touch of a finger or the stroke of a chord. His resources seem endless and his abilities are broad. His bandmates are competent and back him well enough, but there’s no mistaking who the star is. Curtis is one of those guitarists who reminds you of a slew of others, not because he’s derivative, but because he can do it all.

Performance: Rusty’s front door opens onto the Santa Monica Pier. As the sound of music drifted through it, those passing by were drawn into the venue. Tourists, passersby and even vagrants reacted as if Curtis was a pied piper. It was a remarkable scene and a testament to the power of his performance.

Summary: Curtis has a special gift –– he can play guitar like a god. He

doesn’t have fancy moves or speedy runs, but he does possess a unique ability to touch you with his music. Listening to him is like hearing music for the first time. It’s not only a fulfilling experience, it’s an entertaining one as well.

––Bernard Baur

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