THE SHOWROOM SESSIONS: Streaming LIVE from Piedmont Piano Company
Floyd Pellom’s 57th Street Gallery presents
Calvin Keys and Friends
Jazz Jam Session
A legend among soul-jazz fans and known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style, guitarist Calvin Keys leads a jazz jam session, joined by Glen Pearson on piano, Melvin Butts and Art Maxwell on saxophone, Hashima on bass, and Leon Joyce, Jr., on drums.
Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz fans and known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style. Born in 1942 in Omaha, NB, his first musical influence was his father Otis, a well-known drummer who passed the music bug on to Calvin.
In 1971, he signed with Black Jazz label, released a pair of albums and played in the Ray Charles Orchestra. By 1975, Keys had relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he became -- and remains -- an avid participant in its jazz community. He remains active on the jazz scene today with frequent appearances in San Francisco Bay area venues. He is a member and teacher of the Oakland Public Conservatory (OPC). He also mentors upcoming musicians; gives private lessons; and is a frequent teacher at Jazz Camp West. calvinkeysjazz.com
Glen Pearson’s recording credits are numerous, most notably an award winning jazz album by percussionist Babatundae Lea. He is an experienced musician with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. He is a strong education professional skilled in music education, music composition, and is an excellent pianist.
Melvin Butts is a well known saxophonist in the Bay Area. He has been playing at 57th Street Gallery Blue Monday’s Jam Session since its conception. He pours his into every note he plays. He is also seemed out to perform in various groups.
Art Maxwell is an internationally renowned musician who has performed with many of the world’s top jazz artists to rave reviews in the U.S., Europe and Russia. He is also co-founder of the Berkeley Saxophone Quartet. He formed Steinwell Music with Jeff Feldstein and founded Tonal Gravity Records in 1988.
Hashima is an excellent bass player who was a member of the 57th Street Gallery Monday Night Jam Session from the start. He is an excellent bass player and has played with various groups throughout the Bay Area and beyond. He is a “sought after” musician in the Bay Area and can hold his own amongst the bassist community.
Leon Joyce, Jr., is an antidote to power drummers and the hybrid-genre bands with their brainy arrangements. He has worked with a wide variety of top artists including Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Patti Labelle, Mary Wilson, plus his own ensembles.