Curtis Haywood Band Rocks Out Inside/Out Garden

Despite the heat, Curtis Haywood's essence carried over the crowded lawn of the Inside/Out garden at the Sachem Public Library this past weekend. The man who proclaims, "My Sole intent, when I play, is for my voice to resonate to the core of your soul," does not disappoint.

Starting with "Caravan," Haywood walks backwards into the grass watching his band jam out, nods his head in approval and walks back playing his soprano saxophone.  The winding, instrumental opener is followed by Haywood expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to play the new Inside/out garden stating.

"I'm real thankful to be here today for what I call the christening of this outdoor venue," he told the crowd.

"Footprints" bursts to life with a boisterous bass solo and receives lots of light thigh slaps from the sweaty audience. The keyboard flickers along as Haywood runs his fingertips across the pearlized keys of his soprano sax bellowing out notes reminiscent of a Take Five hit.

Using comedy relief to break the tension of the heat, Haywood asks the audience if anyone likes fruit as in the juicy fruit, Cantaloupe, his next classic jazz sounding number.  The twinkle of the keyboard sounds like tiny feet climbing stairs as fellow band mates tap their feet to the beat.

Haywood moves on to the hit "I Wish", originally performed by one of his idols Stevie Wonder, which he plays true to form of the original.

"I wish they would clean all that oil down there," Haywood remarks referring to the Gulf oil spill. "I'm about to get into a wet suit," he continues.

The band jumps right into "Red Clay," bringing in with it a much happier tone. The intro is dashed with a curving bass line into a flourish of keys, whistles and a sax solo. Mid-song the audience is treated to the keyboard solo they have been waiting for, sounding like popping corn alongside cha-cha-esque drums.

"Spring Time" is introduced and Haywood's sax skills fire off, giving a sense that the notes themselves are yearning for someone.

The show closes with "Dance and Rejoice" as Haywood dispels some advice. Haywood reminded the audience that if anyone has been having a hard time in life they need to have faith, because in time the answer will come. He states,  "It's your mind that carries you through; live by faith and keep on truckin'."

The last number is the musical component to Haywood's advice as the intro thrusts energy into the garden with a salsa rumble. Haywood dances a little step of the cha-cha while playing the sax, shimmering a happiness vibe into the audience.  The uplifting bass line attracts an aura over the audience that left them tantalized and inspired.