-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Curtis Lynch?
By Shawn Nowlin
The convenience and power of mobile devices have made access to quality music easier than ever before. While unfathomable to some youth, adults of a certain age can remember standing in long lines at the store just to purchase a cassette tape.
To say that the music landscape is drastically different compared to just a few decades ago would be an understatement.
Prince, one of the greatest musicians of all time, once said, “When you sit down to create art, there should be no guidelines. The main idea is not supposed to be, ‘How many different ways can we sell it and make money?’ That’s so far away from the true spirit of what music is.”
Adrian Crutchfield is the last-horn man to record and perform with Prince and the New Power Generation. He appears on several of Prince’s final masterpieces, including 2017’s Hit-N-Run Phase 2, which earned a Grammy nomination.
Explaining how Prince changed his life, Crutchfield has publicly said, “People always say he used to play for Prince, and I correct them and say I still play for Prince. As a colleague, Prince was the one who really pushed me to be an artist myself. He really encouraged me to step out and do it myself, instead of just relying on being by his side.”
A Star City native, Crutchfield received his first saxophone from legendary jazz artist Kenny G during a concert in Roanoke at four. So intrigued were the audience members that Crutchfield was invited on stage to play a childish melody.
“Giving your son confidence and skills at an early age is one of the most important things that a mother can do. When Adrian was growing up, it was so clear that he was gifted in ways that most children were not,” Sandra Demps said of her child. “While he has outgrown my lap, he will never outgrow my love for him and how proud he makes me every single day.”
Many saxophone aficionados such as Dave Koz have praised Crutchfield as one of this generation’s most lauded and prolific musicians.
Since going solo in 2009, Crutchfield has released four studio albums. Earlier this year, he signed his first record label deal with Trippin ‘n Rhythm Records.
Along with traveling all over the country for gigs, Crutchfield also teaches at a workshop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that focuses on Prince’s music and writing.
One of Crutchfield’s mentors is Bill Hanna, considered to be the “Godfather of Charlotte jazz.” In August, he performed at Charlotte’s Carolina Theatre alongside five-time Grammy winner CeeLo Green.
Sydney Richardson, who has seen Crutchfield perform live multiple times, encourages people to see him if he is ever in their area. “Certain people were meant to do certain things,” Richardson said. “The first time I saw Adrian live, I walked away thinking that he’s doing exactly what he was born for. His stage presence is second to none.”
For the most up-to-date information, including upcoming shows, visit adriancrutchfield.com.
