Curtis Lundy: Purpose

Beauty of tone and an instinct for swing-that accurately sums up Curtis Lundy on Purpose (Justin Time). The bassist-leader’s purpose here is to blend five other like-minded veterans and newcomers. (But it’s not a sextet; pianists John Hicks and Andrew Wonsey share the piano bench.) Aside from Wonsey, the other up-and-coming is tenor Mark Shim, a powerhouse player who gets plenty of stretch-out room along with vibist Steve Nelson and drummer Billy Hart.

Lundy often plays ostinato figures that provide excellent anchors or launching pads for some heads, as on “Carmen” and particularly his own “Love Transforms,” where his ostinato firmly holds together the 5/4, despite an annoying click track. Lundy shows his melodic sensitivity on the jazz waltz “Pas De Trois,” from the arco-played intro to his plucked solo. On his own shouter “Blues for J.A.” Lundy reveals the sheer joy and power of straightahead walking that conjures up the abandon of Leroy Vinnegar.

Originally Published December 1, 2002