Alto saxophonist Caleb Curtis is at the beginning of a promising career and a lifelong commitment to jazz music. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Caleb studied with renowned saxophonist and educator Vincent York and participated in the Community High School jazz program. Seeking further education Caleb enrolled in the Jazz Studies program directed by Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University where he had the opportunity to work and perform with many extraordinary musicians.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree Caleb had the pleasure of studying privately with saxophonists Wessell "Warmdaddy" Anderson and Diego Rivera. In addition, he studied extensively with pianist Rick Roe, an expert on the music of Thelonious Monk. It was while studying with these musicians that Caleb gained tremendous respect and inspiration from the long tradition of jazz saxophonists.
In 2007 the Caleb Curtis Quintet was one of six bands selected to attend the all scholarship Jazz Aspen Snowmass Band Academy where they rehearsed and studied with the members of the Christian McBride band (Christian McBride, Geoff Keezer, Ron Blake, Terreon Gully) as well as Arturo Sandoval and Carla Cook. Caleb has also performed at the Detroit International Jazz Festival and the Lansing Jazz Festival. In addition, the Caleb Curtis Quintet has had numerous performances at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, the oldest jazz club in the world. Caleb graduated from Michigan State in May 2008 and is aggressively pursuing a career as a jazz musician, wherever it takes him. In the June 2008 edition of DownBeat Caleb was recognized with an outstanding Performance Award in the Jazz Soloist category.
The following are links to people that have significance to me as a musician or as a friend:
