Bassist Luques Curtis recorded three albums with the late pianist/bandleader Eddie Palmieri: Sabiduria/Wisdom (Ropeadope Records: 2017), Full Circle (Ropeadope Records: 2018), and Mi Luz Mayor (Ropeadope Records: 2018). On Saturday, September 6, at the Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival, Curtis will lead a band paying tribute to Palmieri, who passed away August 6 at the age of 88.
Everyone in his ensemble, Curtis said, “has played a vital role in Eddie Palmieri’s legacy. He has profoundly shaped each of our careers, giving us all the chance to grow and shine. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to present this tribute and honor the greatest bandleader, mentor, and friend anyone could ask for.” Reviewing Sabiduria/Wisdom for AllAboutJazz, James Nadal wrote that Curtis “shines throughout the production.”
The Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival will be held September 5 and 6 at Exchange Place Plaza on the Jersey City Waterfront. All events are free and open to the public. The Eddie Palmieri Experience will be performed at 8 p.m. on September 6 on the RWJ Barnabas Plaza Stage. Other performances include baritone saxophonist Dave Schumacher & Cubeye at 6 p.m. on September 5 on the RWJ Barnabas Stage; the WBGO Music for Kids series featuring trombonist Juanga Lacunza at 3 p.m. on September 6 on the Courtyard Stage; and drummer Bobby Sanabria and Ascension at 6 p.m. on September 6 on the RWJ Barnabas Stage.
For more information, log onto riverviewjazz.org.