As a small child, Khalil loved to listen to jazz.  Khalil was influenced by Hubert Laws after hearing The Rite of Spring. Khalil started his music career as a drummer at the age of 18; playing varied genres. Khalil studied in private lessons with Andrew White–Saxophonist in Washington, D.C., Roland Alexander–Saxophonist and Clarinet, Frank Wess–Saxophonist, John Stubblefield–Sax Improv, Dan Bank(Gil F. Van’s Orchestra with Miles Davis), Harold Bennett, a.k.a. HB, Mary Driver at Brooklyn Conservatory and the Swiss Flutist, Ulrich Childs.

Khalil plays Flute, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet and varied percussion instruments; heavily influenced by Hubert Laws and Elvin Jones.

Khalil Calvin Curtiss studied at Long Island University(LIU) with his focus on jazz and composition; graduated Cum Laude B.F.A.–Music. Khalil also studied Flute and Theory at The Brooklyn Conservatory.

Khalil began playing with Indoda Entsha in 2005. Indoda Entsha has evolved into Resura Arkestra, combining African, Latin, and jazz creating amazing music.

Khalil has also performed with Eric Ross Ensemble which included Drummer, Andrew Cyrille and Guitarist, John Abercrombie, as well as jazz Violinist Leroy Jenkins.

Khalil has participated on recording sessions with Pink Floyd’s The Wall album on Bring The Boys Back Home cut under the name Blue Ocean. He’s also performed with the Russian group The Balalaika Symphonic Orchestra.

Khalil has performed in countless venues including Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Minton’s Playhouse (The old Knitting Factory) and The Bitter End.