Curtis Lundy - Just Be Yourself (1997)

This 1997 CD reissues a former LP by bassist Curtis Lundy that was recorded in 1985. Although the bassist is the leader, he does not take much more solo space than if he had been a sideman, instead featuring altoist Bobby Watson, pianist Hank Jones (who takes "Shaw 'Nuff" with just the trio) and vibraphonist Steve Nelson (who contributes the memorable "Just Be Yourself") on various selections. Curtis' sister Carmen Lundy is in the spotlight on a pair of early performances ("Funny [Not Much]" and her own "Never Gonna Let You Go"), showing that she already had more than her share of talent. The personnel differs from track to track but the music is consistently rewarding. This obscurity is worth acquiring by modern straight-ahead jazz collectors.