Fundraiser for Curtis Fowlkes

Curtis Fowlkes in 2011. Photo by Peter Gannushkin

By Gary Chapin

Trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, who I first heard in 1986 with the Lounge Lizards and the Jazz Passengers, has been struggling with congestive heart failure and, according to friends, “is beginning the process of home palliative/hospice care.” A fundraiser has begun to help “this phase of Curtis’ life be one of comfort and dignity.” All proceeds will go to Curtis’ kids, Saadiah and Elisheba, to help pay for Curtis’ care

Curtis played with the Big Apple Circus early on, a famous incubator for the 80s/90s downtown scene. He cut a swath through the irony of the Knitting Factory scene by being one of the genuinely nicest people on the planet. His trombone playing has been ebullient, filled with humor, play, warmth, and story. He’s worked extensively with folks like Henry Threadgill, Bill Frisell, Don Byron, Charlie Hunter, and Marc Ribot. He’s a long-time member of the Jazz Passengers, Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra, and Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra. He’s recorded with Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Sheryl Crow, Iron and Wine, Lou Reed, Bobby Previte et many al.

If you’d like to contribute to Curtis’ fundraiser, go here .

Thanks very much.