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Cal Payne

About Me

Combine 2 parts jazz, 1 part r&b/groove, and a sprinkle of jam-band improvisation -mix well and serve while HOT and you have the recipe for The Cal Payne Project. Taking into consideration the instrumental nature of the compositions, the chops of the musicians playing them and the improvisational space contained within, it would be easy to call what they play jazz. However, this band and their music defies such strict categorization while drawing their sound from a combination of many genres including r&b, Latin and rock in addition to jazz. The result is a musical style and delivery that is both highly accessible and yet uncompromising.

The Cal Payne Project is lead by saxophonist and writer Cal Payne whose fearless yet passionate solos and writing style form the signature sound of the band. This talented group also features Michael Burke on guitar whose lightning-fast riffs and fiery brilliance cut straight to the heart, Curlan Moore on drums whose technical adroitness and creative versatility covers the spectrum from the smooth ambient textures and syncopated rhythms to the hardest driving beats and everything in between and Steve Crumpton on bass who delivers the undeniably smooth and infectious grooves with a seemingly effortless proficiency. Keyboardist and Seattle native, Dan Policar is the newest addition to the group. Dan is a highly capable musician whose diverse musical background includes jazz, r&b and hip hop.

The Cal Payne Project was formed on May 2003. Cal and Curlan have been friends since high school and have been playing together off and on ever since. The remaining members became acquainted while playing together at an open jam session in NYC. The chemistry was immediate and unmistakable. Since forming, the band has performed throughout New York City and the Tri-State region for the past year including such venues as The Sugar Bar, Creole, The Rich Forum in Stamford CT, Kenny's Castaways, The Bitter End and The Baggot Inn. With its members residing in New York and New Jersey, The Cal Payne Project has set its goals on extending their reach and fan-base throughout the tri-state region.