Calvin Keys - Full Court Press LP
Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz-funk fans for both his work as a session & touring musician and for the catalog of classic releases under his own name. Key’s playing style is lean & muscular and his unique phrasing balances sophisticated jazz harmonics with funky R&B & soul grooves. Since the 1960s Calvin Keys has performed/recorded with renowned artists such as Ahmad Jamal, Ray Charles, Pharoah Sanders and Joe Henderson. He is also a mentor to young talent, offers private lessons, and is a frequent teacher at the yearly happening Jazz Camp West.
Calvin Keys was born in 1943 in Omaha, Nebraska. His first musical influence was his father Otis, a well-known drummer in the city's music scene… he passed the music bug on to Calvin, who picked up the guitar early. Keys landed his first notable gig as a member of Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson's band when he was 17 and then went on to play with Preston Love (of the Count Basie Orchestra). Later on, he would also join The Jimmy Smith Trio and then worked through the rest of the 1960’s with legends such as Jimmy McGriff, Richard "Groove" Holmes and Brother Jack McDuff.
On the album we are proudly presenting you today ("Full Court Press") you’ll find seven sublime tracks recorded in 1984 and released in 1985 on the Olive Branch label. This was Calvin Key’s first solo album since his recordings for Black Jazz Records back in the 1970’s. "Full Court Press" features an impressive arsenal of working road dogs that Keys had shared the stage with over the years. Included are: Maxayn Lewis (The Ikettes, Morris Day), Mike Thompson (Freddie Hubbard), James Gadson (Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock), Donny Beck (Buddy Miles, Bobby Lyle)…and many others.
"Full Court Press" is the dictionary definition of smooth (yet funky) soul-jazz, with washes of warm, laid back grooves pinned under Keys’ endless dancing up and down the fretboard. The playing is ‘deep in the pocket’ and comes off elegant and effortless. Fluid rhythmic fingerpicking that makes you forget all about time and space. This essential release deserves a prominent place in your record collection!
Tracklist:
1. You Are All I Need
2. Bus Scene
3. Growing Pains
4. Love in Your Eyes
5. Touch
6. Dantu
7. Full Court Press
About this product: this is the Record Store Day '22 release on 180g black vinyl.