Search - Calvin Keys :: Vertical Clearance

"Calvin is a natural. His playing is so deep in the pocket, it comes off elegant and effortless." - MERCURY NEWS "At times, his fluid fingerpicking threatened to free itself completely from its rhythmic moorings and escape the building into the night sky." - EAST BAY EXPRESS "This man can list such sterling greats as Ray Charles, Ahmad Jamal, Carmen McCrea, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Gloria Lynn, M.C. Hammer, Sonny Stitt, Tony Bennett and Luther Vandross as just a few of the folks he has performed and/or recorded with." - PACIFICA TRIBUNE Calvin Keys returns to Wide Hive for his seventh solo release, Vertical Clearance! The Bay Area virtuoso guitarist is well known for his performances and recordings with greats such as Ray Charles, John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Marshall, Sonny Stitt, Pharaoh Saunders, Joe Henderson and Leon Williams. With outstanding contributions from jazz legends Sonny Fortune, Phil Ranelin, Doug Carn and Babatunde, guitarist Calvin Keys' new album draws upon their collective roots (which span classic cult labels Strata East, Tribe and Blackjazz) to create an authentic and inspiring recording. Highlighted by dark melodies and driving rhythms, Keys' playing has somehow become more precise and edgier over time. Also features a new beat by Headnodic (Crown City Rockers)!