Curtis Watts Drums

Curtis brings a standard drum/percussion set up as well as solo hand and stick drums. He alternates between performing with the drum set and wearing the hand/stick drums and circulating around the party interacting with guests as he performs. The drums he wears have an LED light set up to add an extra element of ambiance.

Curtis can play as an accompaniment to a DJ to bring a high energy level to the crowd. If you've hired a band for your event, Curtis can play between their sets with the DJ.

He generally wears all black to private events and can accommodate different requests for attire.

Curtis Watts has been on the music scene in multiple capacities for many years. Being born in Harlem and raised in the South Bronx has given this native New Yorker the opportunity to employ every angle of his experiences and influence to develop one of the most innovative sounds of any composer and drummer in the modern world of today.

Curtis Watts’ credentials extend far beyond the norm, as he has recorded and performed unlimited songs from the Jimi Hendrix catalog for today’s contemporary audience with guitarist Vernon Reid and played drums on Salif Keita’s CD Papa, which won a Grammy award.

He remixed Mick Jagger’s debut single Sweet Thing with Anton Pukshanski on his solo CD. He also remixed Living Coulor’s single with his group SSL (Smokin’ Suckaz wit Logic). Curtis also performed a live duet recording with jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan and drummed on Lloyd Cole’s third CD bad vibes on Capital Records. The songs from the CD PAPA are in the blockbuster movie Ali starring Will Smith. This has gained much respect for Curtis in the motion picture industry. Also added to his credits are music and performances in the movie Street Fighter 2 (the animation movie).

In addition, Curtis had the opportunity to record on Hip Hop artists’ CD’S such as KRS-1 of Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, Large Professor, Todd Ray – producer for Cypress Hill and Santana, De La Soul, Salt & Pepper, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Kid & Play, EPMD, G. Rap & Polo, Redman, Nasty Nas, Heavy D & the Boyz, D J Red Alert and Busta Rhymes.

As a musician for hire, Curtis Watts has performed as well as shared the stage with Jay Z. Pharell, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Terry Bozio of the Frank Zapper Band, Jaco Pastorius with Delmar Brown, Ozomati, Pharaoh Sanders, Teo Macero – producer for Mile Davis, Roy Ayers, members from the hit group Gypsy kings, Trilok Gurtu , Salif Keita, Hip Hop producer Prince Paul, D J Logic project, Groove Collective, and Ciro Baptista. He's performed as a supporting act for artists including Wyclef Jean, Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Ludacris, Robert Randoff, Roots, Common, Julian Marley, Tabib Kweli, Omar and others.

Curtis was also involved with the tap-dance community, drumming for the famous tap dancer Buster Brown in jam sessions at Swing 46 which featured Savion Glover, the late Gregory Hines and Jimmy Slide.

In the world beat music community, Curtis is highly respected and recognized as an accomplished world percussionist & drummer. He has performed with the great African master and mentor, drummer sensation Baba Olatunji, musician/dancer Amadoi Boli, and all of the best west African djembe drummers emigrating to the united States. These greats also include Brazilian artists such as Pe de boi, Katenda, Manhattan Samba group, Samba Novo, and Batucada.

Curtis has also served as founder of BATTERY DRUMLINE and is on its Board of Directors. Directors, Battery Drumline was featured on NY1 News as NEW YORKERS OF THE WEEK all on account of Battery Drumline.

As of today Curtis Watts is currently associated with Sony publishing and independent labels as a songwriter/producer and drummer.