Make way for the smooth jazz drums of Curtis Nowosad, whose modesty does little to distract from his success.

“I’m just another musician on the scene,” said Nowosad during a phone interview.

For just another musician, Nowosad has already proved his worth all over Canada, performing in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and other cities.

The 22-year-old student is one assignment away from his music degree from the University of Manitoba and is preparing for life post-graduation.

“I want to just keep trying to get better at playing, tour more, get involved with more recording and touring projects,” he said.

A recent string of gigs at Aqua Books has seen Nowosad and his trio collaborating with a variety of other Winnipeg musicians, including Steve Bell and Vanessa Kuzina. This weekend, Nowosad’s trio will perform with Michael Petkau Falk of Les Jupes.

Nowosad said he’s stoked to perform with Petkau Falk.

“It’s an unlikely combination with the man who invented unlikely combinations,” he said. “I am super excited to play with Mike first and foremost.”

Nowosad says the great part about jazz is combining personalities to create something new every time. 

“Jazz allows me to fully express myself because it’s an improvised music. There’s a certain amount of freedom in it and a strong sense of community,” he said, adding that everyone has a good time playing and interpreting the music together.

“You have to be completely open with what’s going to happen,” he said.

Catch The Curtis Nowosad Trio with Michael Petkau Falk on Friday, April 9 at 8 p.m. at Aqua Books (274 Garry St.).

– Sara Shyiak

Published in Volume 65, Number 25 of The Uniter (March 31, 2011)