King Curtis - Unreleased Montreux Jazz Festival Recording (1971)

An extraordinary unreleased live recording capturing King Curtis in performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival on June 12, 1971, only months before the legendary saxophonist’s untimely death later that year. One of the most influential session musicians and bandleaders of the twentieth century, King Curtis bridged jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, and pop music through his instantly recognisable tenor saxophone style. His work shaped recordings by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to The Coasters, while his solo catalogue established him as a defining figure in soul jazz. The Montreux Jazz Festival remains one of the most important stages in modern music history, and surviving unreleased recordings from its early years are exceptionally scarce. This tape captures Curtis at the height of his creative powers. Key Details & Collectability · Unreleased live recording by King Curtis · Recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival · Performance date: June 12, 1971 · Recorded shortly before Curtis’ death in 1971 · Rare archival live recording format