CURTIS MCCAIN
Percussionist / Pianist / Vocalist / Writer / Composer / Producer / Recording Artist
Curtis McCain is a dynamic musician who plays a variety of eclectic styles and genres. Curtis has been playing professionally as a freelance percussionist for 26 years and has shared the stage and recorded with many well-known artists.
Born and raised in the Bay Area of California, Curtis was surrounded by music since birth. Growing up in a musical family, Curtis is a third-generation musician. His grandfather, Joe McCain was a talented jazz trumpeter. His father, Mike McCain was a well-known saxophonist, percussionist, and vocalist throughout California. Mike worked with artists such as Larry White, M.K.E, Expansion, Dynasty, Salsa de Berkeley, Ceasar’s Latin All Stars, Mirasol, Francisco Aguabella, Rodger Glenn, Poncho Sanchez, Clare Fischer, Willie Weeks, Cornelius Bumphus, Cal Tjader, The Temptations and more. Exposed to a wide range of music at an early age; Jazz, Latin, Salsa, Brazilian, Dixieland, Swing, Oldies, R&B, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop, Disco, Pop, and Soul were all staples in the McCain household.
As a young child, from watching his father play congas to listening to all types of music, Curtis became fascinated by the sound of conga drums. They called to him instantly as a toddler and he knew he had a connection with them. He would ask his father to play congas to old salsa records while he watched in excitement. At age 6, after noticing a strong interest and wanting to get serious, his father began teaching him simple conga patterns and techniques. At age 10, after a few years of practice, rhythm became more natural to Curtis. He studied and practiced to such talents as Poncho Sanchez, Ramon 'Mongo' Santamaria and Paulinho Da Costa. At age 15, he and his father joined a local big band performing concerts and festivals throughout the summer. This was a confidence booster for Curtis being his first time working with other musicians. Befriending the drummer, he would take Curtis on local gigs gaining him more experience performing live.
Primarily known for playing percussion, Curtis has also been playing piano just as long. Taking piano lessons at a young age throughout his childhood, he studied and learned basic piano, advancing to Classical, Blues, Jazz then Latin. As an academic student he was also heavily involved in the music curriculum program throughout elementary, middle, and high school; to include symphonic, jazz, and marching bands. Every year playing a new instrument: Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Alto and Tenor Saxophones; Eb Contra Bass Clarinet, Tri Toms and Drum Pit. A beginner at the top of each school year, and by year end able to hold his own.
Although Curtis dabbled with different instruments, he always gravitated back toward the conga drums. Simultaneously keeping up with playing piano, Curtis also performed the occasional piano recital. As an early teenager he began venturing into production. Composing and producing his own original music on keyboards and making hip hop beats for friends. With his piano and production skills remaining under his belt, percussion was still his true passion.
Acting as a roadie for his father and fellow bandmates, sometimes he would sit in as a special guest. Playing Top 40 covers, they gave Curtis the spotlight for conga solos. Continuously receiving kudos and encouragement for his conga playing, he began to realize he had something special. Honing in on his craft, he fine-tuned his sound, modified his techniques and learned to play an array of different percussion instruments, becoming a well-rounded multi-percussionist; this is where the talent was born. In 1999, Curtis embarked on his performing career as a freelance multi-percussionist.
After a few years of performing local gigs in Northern California, Curtis moved to the Washington DC area in 2003. No one knew Curtis there; but he was determined to build his reputation from scratch. Performing the local scene in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, musicians from the audience would hire Curtis to perform at their shows. This went on for years, performing with all types of bands and acts. As Curtis began to branch out, the opportunities kept getting bigger and better. Over time these experiences led Curtis to perform with some of the top jazz industry greats. Such as Nick Colionne, Chuck Loeb, Keiko Matsui, Patti Austin, Regina Belle, Gerald Veasley, Alex Bugnon, Najee, Leroy "Lonnie" Jordan of WAR, Special EFX feat. Chieli Minucci, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Marion Meadows, Peter White, Vincent Ingala, Eric Darius, James Lloyd of Pieces Of A Dream, Everette Harp, Maysa, Randy Brecker, Bobby Lyle, Lindsey Webster, Lil John Roberts, Four 80 East, Marcus Anderson, Kenny Lattimore, Elliot Yamin and more. He's performed in bands as an opening act for artists such as George Benson, ZZ Top, Steve Miller Band, Paul Shaffer, John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, and was also offered an opportunity to tour England with Stevie Wonder.
Curtis now works as a full-time musician. In addition to traveling and touring across the country for performances; in 2020 Curtis launched a successful recording studio business (Rhythms Unlimited Recording Studio). As a highly sought-after studio percussionist, Curtis offers a service providing customized percussion tracks for artists around the world. His percussion work can be heard on songs by Greg Manning, Tommy Davidson and Earth Wind & Fire, Marion Meadows, Lindsey Webster, Ragan Whiteside, Oli Silk, Tom Braxton, Carol Albert, Roberto Vally, Andrew Neu, Will Donato (and the list goes on). Curtis also works as a clinician teaching young students and adults how to play percussion, in both group and one on one settings.
Curtis' motto, "Bringin’ Spice To Your Life", sums up his style resonating loud and clear with his ever-growing fan base. Curtis McCain is a self-made musician who’s dedicated for no other reason than, his love for music. Quoting that, “he didn’t choose music, music chose him.”
