Soul/Jazz Saxophonist Curtis Haywood Honors His Mother's Legacy with the Soulful "Last Dance"

Curtis Haywood, the Brooklyn-based soul/jazz saxophonist, has unveiled a deeply personal and emotive new single, “Last Dance,” a tribute to his mother and her courageous battle with brain cancer. As Haywood watched his mother struggle in the final years of her life, he grappled with the immense pain of knowing he would have to say goodbye. Yet, in the midst of his sorrow, he found clarity – a vision of one final dance with her, a beautiful, intimate moment of connection before her suffering would end.

“Last Dance” captures this heart-wrenching yet uplifting vision, blending elements of soul, jazz, and R&B into a track that celebrates the beauty and transience of life. Written by Haywood, the single features the masterful touch of Billboard-charting guitarist Steve Oliver, who not only produced the track but also lends his signature guitar playing, enhancing the song's warm, soulful atmosphere. The single, released under Megawave Records, has quickly become one of the most added new songs to the Billboard radio chart.

While the song’s inspiration is rooted in loss, it transcends sadness by focusing on the powerful theme of acceptance and new beginnings. As Haywood explains, “‘Last Dance’ is about recognizing the necessity of releasing what no longer serves us, and embracing what lies ahead with open arms. It’s a message of hope and resilience, resonating with anyone going through life’s inevitable transitions.” The accompanying music video, filmed during Haywood’s summer residency in the Hamptons, mirrors this message of joy and empowerment, offering a vibrant visual experience that captures the track’s infectious energy and uplifting vibe.

The fusion of Haywood’s emotive soprano saxophone and Oliver’s smooth, expressive guitar work creates a mesmerizing downtempo R&B groove that invites listeners to move, reflect, and connect with the song’s universal message. The video, available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/G0ll_D4aJmI?si=c29W8ublnc4YE6NI), echoes the song's spirit of celebration, providing a fitting visual accompaniment to its vibrant melody.

Curtis Haywood, a talented saxophonist and steelpan player, brings years of experience to his music. A Berklee College of Music alumnus, Haywood has spent his career blending elements of classic R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel, with three full-length albums under his belt, beginning with his 2007 self-titled debut. In addition to his album releases, Haywood has shared his artistry with audiences through a series of holiday singles, including renditions of “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”

Haywood is also a dynamic live performer, having graced stages alongside some of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz, classic R&B, and gospel. He has performed with artists such as Chieli Minucci, Elan Trotman, Will Donato, JJ Sansaverino, and Melissa Morgan, as well as legendary acts like Melba Moore, Ray, Goodman & Brown, The Intruders, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review, Kirk Franklin, Sounds of Blackness, and Noel Pointer.

With “Last Dance,” Curtis Haywood brings his multifaceted artistry to a deeply personal project, offering a soulful reflection on life, love, and the beauty of letting go. This powerful track stands as both a tribute to his late mother and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.