Calvin Keys -|- Vertical Clearence
“Jazz is freedom of expression - no boundaries. I play what I feel; people call it whatever they like...” Calvin Keys
Omaha, Nebraska native guitarist extraordinaire
Calvin Keys bursts on the scene in 2006 with one of the most
compelling modern jazz records to date. Its simply titled “Vertical
Clearance.” If you dig passionate guitar playing that is raw, down and
dirty with twist of classic Grant Green tossed in, then you’ll
absolutely adore this record.
Although this is only my second, encounter with perplexing musical repertoire of guitarist Calvin Keys I vividly his second album in recorded in 1973 titled “Proceed With Caution,” on BlackJazz Records. Introduced to jazz by his father at a young age Keys later began playing professionally at 17. Since then, the talented guitarist graduated into a wider scope playing and recorded with notable musicians like Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDufff, Groove Holmes and was mentored by bassist Gerald Holts.
On the opening track, Mr. Keys is playing with a profound measure of emergency on the "Afro Latin" inspired “Mrkgy.” As expected, he delivers the goods with raw and energized playing accented by tight horns mixed in for good measure is certainly well worth the price of admission.
Mr. Keys effectively changes directions on the next track with the atmospheric “Spreading the Spirit.” Calvin’s tonality without question is artistically brilliant, he soars with unmatched reverie, and he undoubtedly came to play on this project. The next few selections on “Vertical Clearance” by Keys and company will take you on a marvelous journey that want be forgotten anytime soon ... at least by me. Memorable, yes this session is challenging, loose, funky, and lyrically refreshing without being overproduced or understated.
After traveling through this grueling expedition of timeless music by guitarist, Calvin Keys it's foreseeable the next objective for me will be obtaining as many of his early recordings as possible. Oh yea, he’s that good! In addition, for the record, song for song the potency of the music on this album symbolizes the lyrical swagger one expects from artist of his magnitude. If you truly love music, then head to the nearess record store and pick up “Vertical Clearance” by Calvin Keys ... his music will take you in flight to a new dimension in modern jazz.
~ Rob Young
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