The Curtis Brothers, Zaccai and Luques, have become generational leaders in Afro-Latin jazz. Both now in their early 40s, they have amassed a wealth of experience, and the mentorship of elders ranging from Jackie McLean to Eddie Palmieri to Ralph Peterson, Jr. — the latter a dynamic drummer and teacher who formed his final trio around the brotherly pair. In this lively conversation at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Zaccai (a pianist) and Luques (a bassist) open up about their upbringing in Hartford, Conn.; the hidden circuitries of so-called Latin Jazz; and the industrious spark that led to Zaccai’s Grammy Award-winning album Cubop Lives!
You can also watch this interview on WRTI's YouTube channel, or right here.
