This concert was recorded in Berkeley, CA at the Maybeck recital Hall, February 13, 1994 and broadcast on KJAZ radio, Alameda, CA. As part of the "See’s Sunday Night" series hosted by Bud Spangler and sponsored by See’s Famous Old Time Candies.

Manufactured for LifeForceJazz Records. 1202 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 107, San Jose, CA 95125. 408-294-6999 © 2003 LifeForceJazz Records

Executive Producer: Dawan Muhammad
Produced by Calvin Keys
Location Producer: Bud Spangler
Recording: Syntropy Audio, Oakland, CA
Engineers: Brian Walker, Robert Berenson
Digital Editing: David Haas, San Francisco, CA
Mastering: Ken Lee mastering, Oakland, CA
Photography: Stephanie Mohan, John Houghton, Dawan Muhammad
Design: yeesbrain.com
Booking/Management: Craig Neely 510-428-9193

Calvin plays a custom Heritage Guitar

"The night before the concert. I remember having second thoughts about playing, because I knew it was being recorded for broadcast and I didn’t feel adequately prepared. Also, I had been trying out this new Evans Amplifier and was a little uncertain about the sound. However, I knew the rhythm section would be solid with Tim Hauf and Gaylord Birch, because we had always worked well together. That and the idea of performing before an audience of real jazz fans helped me overcome my reluctance. We decided to perform standard tunes that people could identify rather than originals and things started to groove right away. We finished the concert feeling pretty good about the music, but that evening soon became a distant memory until people who had either attended the concert or heard the broadcast began asking if the recordings were ever going to be available to the public. Some years later, I dug up the tapes and finally began listening to what you are about to hear!

I would like to pay special tribute to the late Gaylord Birch, who before passing at the height of his career on April 14, 1996, was considered by many musicians, one of the world’s most versatile drummers. This album is dedicated to his family, friends and all those who knew Gaylord Birch."

Calvin Keys

I still remember the first time I heard Calvin Keys play. It was nearly 30 years ago at a concert in Los Angeles’ Lamert Park. His playing was soulful, melodic…and swinging! That day I became a fan. It’s hard to imagine that someone who has won numerous awards and played with the likes of Ahmad Jamal, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Donald Byrd, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Ray Charles, Carmen McCrae and Pharaoh Sanders (to name a few) could be considered a secret. And yet I feel Calvin Keys is one of the best-kept secrets in jazz. Believe me with this CD that’s about to change. This is a beautiful album! Both CD’s showcase Calvin at jis best. From the romantic, soul-searching ballads, to the finger snapping, toe tapping, make me groove songs, Keys impresses me with his musicianship, improvisational skills, and most importantly…the way he makes me feel!
Enjoy!

Clifford Brown, Jr.
KCSM FM 91
The Bay Area’s Jazz Station

An Evening With Calvin Keys

In improvised music the artist paints a picture with sound and as the audio images are visualized, the creative process is enhanced by the listener’s imagination. Many factors can contribute to elevating musical experiences at live concerts. The music compositions, the performance, the acoustics and interaction with audiences all usually require "being there" to reap the rewards. However, when an outstanding live performance is captured on a pristine recording, listeners are able to witness the miracle of music as if they were actually a part of the live audience.

"An Evening With Calvin Keys" brings the compassionate sounds of the jazz guitar right into your favorite listening space and invites you to participate. Calvin is known for successfully weaving his style of jazz improvisation through a wide variety of music genres as witnessed throughout his multiple label discography, but his treatment of standard tunes with the guitar trio featured on these discs and on "Standard Keys", (his first release for LifeForcejazz) commands special attention. It’s always interesting to hear how one artist interprets the music of another. Especially if you know the song. On these CDs, Calvin pays tribute to some great composers, by performing songs known throughout the poop and jazz worlds. Acvcompanied by two outstanding artists in bassist Tim Hauf and drummer Gaylord Birch. Calvin once again demonstrates why his business card says, "Jazz Guitarist."

Dawan Muhammad
President, LifeForcejazz