Jazz Articles about Curlew

Curlew: Mercury

by AAJ Staff
October 5, 2003

Curlew is a long-standing revolving fusion unit with deep roots, drawing heavily from New York's alternative music scene over 24 years and nine records. Curlew has developed a cult following of sorts, driven by saxophonist George Cartwright's enduring vision. Cartwright contributes about half of the compositions on Mercury and some of the record's most energetic playing, though there aren't any notable weaknesses elsewhere in the quintet.

By the time the brief and ironically titled "Still" erupts from ...

Curlew: North America

by Glenn Astarita
April 4, 2003

The original North America LP was issued for the Moers record label back in 1986. Thankfully, Cuneiform Records has released this gem along with several tracks culled from a 1983 performance at the New York City venue known as Mort’s Place.

Curlew was in the vortex of New York’s early '80s “downtown scene,” thanks to an enticingly unique blend of rock, free-jazz and soul-drenched inclinations. This outing features some downright scorching work from saxophonist/leader George Cartwright, the ...

Curlew: "Meet The Curlews!"

by John Eyles
July 11, 2002

Curlew have never been a band to rest on their laurels or to milk a successful formula. Across two decades and their eight albums to date, they have constantly changed personnel and instrumentation, and explored an ever-evolving musical territory. On Meet The Curlews!, long-time members George Cartwright and Davey Williams welcome newcomers Bruce Golden, Fred Chalenor and Chris Parker. The resulting line-up is about as conventional as Curlew get. Gone are the cello, the vocals, the Ornette-meets-Stax funkiness, the twin ...

Curlew: Fabulous Drop

by Glenn Astarita
March 1, 1998

Downtown crew have been around for quite some time despite various personnel changes over the years. Noted for being cerebral, daring and at times avant-garde, they frequently amaze audiences with their unique stylings. Leader and saxophonist George Cartwright produced Fabulous Drop under the fine Cuneiform label.

This follow-up to their rollicking 1996 release Paradise expands on the pulsing rhythms, free improv and to some degree, traces of older “avant Curlew" resurface. The proceedings begin with the Cartwright-penned tune “August." Cartwright ...