Calvin Keys Quintet at Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society

“Calvin is a natural. His playing is so deep in the pocket, it comes off elegant and effortless." (San Jose Mercury News)

Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz fans and is known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style. An Omaha native, Keys has been a creative force on the Bay Area scene since he relocated here in the 1970s. During that period Keys signed with Black Jazz label, and recorded his debut album, the now legendary Shawn-Neeq, and then played in the Ray Charles Orchestra until he was snapped up by Ahmad Jamal. Calvin then spent seven years with the pianist, recording six albums and touring the globe. Jazz guitar star Pat Metheny, a fellow Midwesterner, dedicated a tune to him, “Calvin’s Keys.” Keys has also played and/or recorded with Sonny Stitt, Pharoah Sanders, John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Marshall, Ed Kelly, Eddie Duran, Bruce Forman and Joe Henderson....

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“Calvin is a natural. His playing is so deep in the pocket, it comes off elegant and effortless." (San Jose Mercury News)

Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz fans and is known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style. An Omaha native, Keys has been a creative force on the Bay Area scene since he relocated here in the 1970s. During that period Keys signed with Black Jazz label, and recorded his debut album, the now legendary Shawn-Neeq, and then played in the Ray Charles Orchestra until he was snapped up by Ahmad Jamal. Calvin then spent seven years with the pianist, recording six albums and touring the globe. Jazz guitar star Pat Metheny, a fellow Midwesterner, dedicated a tune to him, “Calvin’s Keys.” Keys has also played and/or recorded with Sonny Stitt, Pharoah Sanders, John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Marshall, Ed Kelly, Eddie Duran, Bruce Forman and Joe Henderson.

Calvin Keys – Guitar; Art Maxwell – Saxophone, Flute; Glen Pearson – Piano; Joel Kruzic – Bass; Mark Lee – Drums

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