Curtis Salgado
Legacy Rewind: Live In '25
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Apr 2026
The story as to how this recording came together is so interesting that I'd like to share every word of how Curtis described it in the liner notes. That, of course, would be too lengthy, so I'll just give kudos to a huge Curtis Salgado fan named Randy Maag for being the catalyst and let you read the rest, once you get a copy of Legacy Rewind: Live In '25 for yourself.
Legacy Rewind: Live In '25 is a collection of R&B, funk, soul, and rock 'n' roll tunes that were recorded live at The Triple Door during two same-day performances - a matinee show and and evening show. For the project, Curtis - on lead vocals and harmonica - assembled a fifteen piece band of his favorite musicians who have worked with him over the years. They are: Keashaun Jones, Margaret Linn and Lindsey Reynolds on backing vocals; Alan Hager and Ben Rice on lead & rhythm guitar; Kenny Meriedeth on rhythm guitar; John Linn and John Wolcott on bass; Gary Harris on alto & tenor sax; Timothy Bryson on tenor & baritone sax; Dave Mills on trumpet; Lars Campbell on trombone; Brady Goss on piano; Brian Harris on B-3 organ; and Ron Tuttle and Patrick Seals on drums & percussion. Of the album's thirteen tracks - many of which Curtis has never performed live - ten are Curtis' originals.
On this track, like many of us, Curtis is tired of politicians making promises they'll never keep and conversations with people who know nothing and got nothing to say (does social media come to mind?), it's time for him to take a long vacation and make a "Clean Getaway". So he sold everything that wasn't nailed down, closed his eyes and put a finger on a map, and got his butt out of town. Musically it's a funk filled smoker with fiery horn led rhythm and fierce keyboard and guitar leads.
On "My Girlfriend", Curtis lays down some very clear and strong ground rules pertaining to a relationship that may - or more likely, may not - take place . Just a few of his many unflattering comments include "You manage my weekend, but not my life" and "You're my girlfriend, but not my wife." Musically, this dance floor filler has the same funky vibe going on and vocally, Curtis is his usual soulful and powerful self.
I have heard so many different phrases used as a way of describing how broke someone may be, and I've probably used a few of them myself. However, with "Money Must Think I'm Dead", Curtis takes the cake. This rhythm fueled rocker is highlighted by smoking guitar and organ leads and it is the only track on which you'll hear Curtis blowing hot harmonica leads.
Be it from the hands of Alan or Ben, the slide guitar work on "Precious Time" is absolutely masterful. On the other hand, so is the drumming and bass work coming from the hands of Patrick Seals and John Wolcott, respectively; and so are the vocals being belted out by Curtis.
Are you ready to go to church? Your answer best be yes 'cause on "A Woman Or the Blues", Pastor Salgado is ready to take ya. From start to finish, this one will have you on your feet, clapping your hands, and lively singing along to the chorus line of "A woman or the blues". Technically, that line should have a question mark attached because according to Curtis, it's is something he'll ultimately have to choose between - a woman or the blues? With everyone at disc's best here, especially the lead and backing vocals, this is easily my favorite track. Excuse me, I'll be back after another listen or two....
Because of it's lyrics, I've liked all of the covers I've heard of "20 Years of B.B. King" (David Duncan), but no one can own it like Curtis does. Listening to him so soulfully and realistically singing the line "I've learned more about the blues in in two weeks with you than twenty years of B.B. King", seem to make you think he definitely lived it and wrote. Being one of the disc's more traditional blues songs, it features some of the disc's best stinging guitar leads.
On "Fine By Me", the title track off of his last release, Curtis reminisces of the times he had lunch with Jackie O; shook hands with Muhammed Ali; watched Iggy Pop from the front row; and had coffee with Malcolm X. Incidentally, all of those instances are followed with "Then suddenly I was awake, and it was all a dream" - which as the song title suggests, was fine with him. Driven by an intense rhythm, this one is good ol' rock 'n' roll at it's best.
Other tracks on Legacy Rewind: Live In '25 include: "Sing My Song"; "Wiggle Outta This"; "Sweet Jesus Buddah the Doctor"; "Count Of Three"; "Nobody But You"; and "I Don't Want To Discuss It".
If you don't already know enough about Curtis Salgado, check him out at - www.curtissalgado.com. As usual, whomever you contact, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.
