Calvin Keys
- Born:
- , Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
- Died:
- , Berkeley, California, U.S.
- Instrument:
- Guitar
- Notable collaborations:
- Ray Charles, Ahmad Jamal, Eddie Marshall, Gene Russell, Doug Carn
- Genres:
- Jazz, Funk / Soul, Electronic, Latin, Hip Hop, Folk, World, & Country, Stage & Screen, Blues, Pop, Rock
- Styles:
- Jazz-Funk, Soul-Jazz, Fusion, Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Downtempo, Funk, Future Jazz, Hip Hop, Rhythm & Blues
Calvin Keys is a highly versatile jazz guitarist known for his extensive work in Jazz-Funk, Soul-Jazz, and Fusion. His discography, featuring over 50 releases, demonstrates a clear timeline: he was a central figure in the independent Black Jazz Records movement of the early 1970s, releasing essential albums like “Shawn-Neeq” and collaborating closely with label mates like Doug Carn and Gene Russell. His style, rooted in funk and blues, later transitioned into a long-running contemporary career, highlighted by his continued prolific output on labels like Wide Hive Records, securing his status as a key bridge between 70s Soul-Jazz and modern instrumental groove music
Essential Calvin Keys Albums
Shawn-Neeq
Calvin Keys
1971
Jazz-Funk
Keys' debut on Black Jazz Records. "Criss Cross" stretches over 12 minutes of hypnotic groove. Raw, funky, and completely in the pocket from start to finish.
Proceed With Caution!
Calvin Keys
1974
Soul-Jazz
Keys' second Black Jazz album pushes the funk further. Tight rhythms and bluesy lines over deep grooves. Essential for collectors and a favorite among sample diggers.
Detours Into Unconscious Rhythms
Calvin Keys
2000
Funk
Keys returns after years away from recording. The grooves are deeper, the touch more refined. Proof his funk never left, it just matured.
Blue Keys
Calvin Keys
2022
Late-career statement showing Keys still has the fire. Blues-inflected jazz with decades of wisdom in every phrase. The touch is gentler but no less compelling.
Full Court Press
Calvin Keys
1985
Jazz-Funk
Mid-'80s Keys keeping the jazz-funk flame alive. Synths and production date it, but the guitar work remains timeless. Keys adapting without compromising.
Maria's First
Calvin Keys
1987
Smooth Jazz
Keys ventures into smoother territory. More polished production, less raw funk. Not his grittiest work, but his melodic gift shines through.
Electric Keys
Calvin Keys
2013
Keys plugs in and grooves. Modern production meets old-school sensibility. The funk DNA is still there, just dressed for a new century.
Vertical Clearance
Calvin Keys
2006
Jazz-Funk
Keys exploring spacious, modern jazz-funk. Less frantic than his Black Jazz days, more contemplative. Mature funk with room to breathe.
Standard Keys
Calvin Keys
1997
Keys tackles the songbook with his signature touch. Standards get the funky treatment without losing their essence. Respectful but never reverent.
Calvinesque
Calvin Keys
2005
Jazz-Funk
Keys defining his own sound after decades. The title says it all—this is pure Keys style. Bluesy, funky, and unmistakably his own voice.
Similar Artists
Top Labels
| Label | Releases |
|---|---|
| Wide Hive Records | 16 |
| Black Jazz Records | 12 |
| Numero Group | 5 |
| Not On Label | 5 |
| 20th Century Fox Records | 4 |
| Snow Dog Records | 4 |
| LifeForceJazz Records | 4 |
| Ovation Records | 3 |
| P-Vine Records | 3 |
| Olive Branch Records | 2 |
Calvin Keys Collaborations
As Leader
| Musician | Role | Releases |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Franklin | Bass | 2 |
| Marcia Hunter | Post Production | 2 |
| Thomas McCree | Drums | 2 |
| Doug Rowan | Saxophone | 2 |
| Lawrence Evans | Bass | 1 |
| Bob Braye | Drums | 1 |
| Larry Nash | Electric Piano | 1 |
| Owen Marshall | Flute | 1 |
| Owen Marshall | Percussion [Ittisels, Sertasizem (Obe), Papali], Bongos | 1 |
| Leon Ndugu Chancler | Drums | 1 |
As Sideman
| Musician | Role | Releases |
|---|---|---|
| John Heard | Bass | 4 |
| Frank Gant | Drums | 3 |
| Jeff Chambers | Bass | 3 |
| George Coleman | Tenor Saxophone | 3 |
| Maurice Spears | Trombone | 2 |
| Ahmad Jamal | Keyboards | 2 |
| Yoron Israel | Drums | 2 |
| Manolo Badrena | Percussion | 2 |
| Joe Kennedy | Violin | 2 |
| Azeem | Vocals | 2 |
Key Personnel
| Person | Role | Releases |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmad Jamal | Leader | 7 |
| Various | Leader | 5 |
| Gregory Howe | Producer | 3 |
| Bob Berglund | Lacquer Cut By | 3 |
| Michael Seiff | Art Direction | 2 |
| Carol Hibbs | Engineer [Mastering] | 2 |
| Leo Taliaferro | Executive-Producer | 2 |
| Gregory Howe | Engineer | 2 |
| Gregory Howe | Photography By | 2 |
| Grafica, Chicago | Graphics | 2 |
Discography
Total: 52 releases
| Artist | Album | Label | Leader/Sideman | Style | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace Martin, Calvin Keys | The Near North Side | BMG | Leader | 2023 | |
| Terrace Martin | Fine Tune | BMG | Sideman | 2023 | |
| Various | Jazziz Picks - Winter 2023 | Jazziz | Sideman | Contemporary Jazz | 2022 |
| Calvin Keys | Blue Keys | Wide Hive Records | Leader | 2022 | |
| Ryan Scannura | Morning Fever 029 - July 2019 - Part 2 - Ryan Scannura | Morning Fever | Sideman | Free Jazz | 2019 |
| Hafez Modirzadeh | Voices Unveiled | LifeForceJazz Records | Sideman | Avant-garde Jazz | 2018 |
| Brian Ho | Organic | Brian Ho/B2B Music | Sideman | Jazz-Funk | 2015 |
| Calvin Keys | Close Enough For Love | LifeForceJazz Records | Leader | 2015 | |
| David Hardiman | Music Around The World | Not On Label (David Hardiman Self-released) | Sideman | Samba | 2013 |
| DJ Yama | Groove Collector Vol. 9 | Groove Masters | Sideman | 2013 | |
| Calvin Keys | Electric Keys | Wide Hive Records | Leader | 2013 | |
| Marty Krystall | Liquid Krystall Displayed | K2B2 Records | Sideman | 2012 | |
| The Wide Hive Players | Players II Guitar | Wide Hive Records | Sideman | 2010 | |
| David Durrah | Angelic Streams | - | Sideman | 2009 | |
| DJ $hin | The Original Rare Groove Show | Turntable Troopers Entertainment | Sideman | 2008 | |
| Gloria Coleman | Sweet Missy | Doodlin' Records | Sideman | 2008 | |
| Calvin Keys | Vertical Clearance | Wide Hive Records | Leader | Jazz-Funk | 2006 |
| Cubik & Origami | EP 2 | Wide Hive Records | Sideman | Downtempo | 2005 |
| Cubik & Origami | Cubik & Origami | Wide Hive Records | Sideman | Acid Jazz | 2005 |
| Calvin Keys | Calvinesque | Silverado Records | Leader | Jazz-Funk | 2005 |
Styles & Genres Distribution
Styles
| Style | Releases | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz-Funk | 10 | 12.5% |
| Soul-Jazz | 8 | 10% |
| Fusion | 5 | 6.2% |
| Latin Jazz | 3 | 3.8% |
| Contemporary Jazz | 3 | 3.8% |
| Downtempo | 3 | 3.8% |
| Funk | 2 | 2.5% |
| Future Jazz | 2 | 2.5% |
| Hip Hop | 2 | 2.5% |
| Rhythm & Blues | 1 | 1.2% |
Genres
| Genre | Releases | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz | 40 | 50% |
| Funk / Soul | 17 | 21.2% |
| Electronic | 8 | 10% |
| Latin | 6 | 7.5% |
| Hip Hop | 5 | 6.2% |
| Folk, World, & Country | 3 | 3.8% |
| Stage & Screen | 2 | 2.5% |
| Blues | 1 | 1.2% |
| Pop | 1 | 1.2% |
| Rock | 1 | 1.2% |