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Calvin Weston

G Calvin Weston was born June 6, 1959 in Philadelphia, PA. He became interested in drums at the age of 6, when he (and his neighbors) discovered his talent for rhythm as he beat on every car on the block. He lived in North Philadelphia where he saw musicians like Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and James Brown at the Uptown Theatre. Seeing his attention focused on the drummers, his Father bought him a small set. In high school Calvin learned to read music and played second snare in the drum ensemble. He co-founded the group Bad Influence which played in cabarets and clubs around Philadelphia.

At 17, Calvin joined Ornette Coleman's Prime Time Band, with bass player Jamalaadean Tacuma, his close friend from Philly, which toured extensively in North America and Europe. After recording four albums with Prime Time, Calvin went on to play and record with guitarist James "Blood" Ulmer, until he joined John Luries Lounge Lizards in 1990.

During the late '90s Calvin recorded and toured with Billy Martin of Medeski Martin and Wood, Tricky, Eyvind Kang, Derek Baily, Mark Ribot, and James Carter. He also played on several movie soundtracks including "Get Shorty." For his latest project, Calvin Weston's Big Tree, Calvin explores the many musical influences of his career as band leader and composer.

He also has a new band with world guitarist, Vernon Reid and bass player, Jamalaadean Tacuma and formed the group freeformfunkyfreqs and there new CD Urban Mythology Volume 1. He also plays with Jean-Paul Bourelly and Melvin Gibbs in the band called Gypsys Reloaded, that toured in March of 2008 and recorded a live CD at the Bimhuis. G. Calvin Weston has played on many recordings including Asmodeus: Book Of Angels Volume 7 with Marc Ribot, Trevor Dunn, and John Zorn.

Calvin Weston and The Phoenix Orchestra: Dust and Ash

Read "Dust and Ash" reviewed by Claudio Bonomi

by Claudio Bonomi
October 14, 2019

Calvin Weston, classe 1959, è un veterano della scena jazz-funk americana. Batterista nato, si racconta che ha cominciato a tambureggiare in tenerissima età, ha messo il suo talento al servizio di innumerevoli celebrità. A soli 17 anni, si unisce all'Ornette Coleman Prime Time Band e dove aver registrato ben quattro album con la formazione del padre del free jazz si cimenta con, tra gli altri, il chitarrista James Blood" Ulmer, i Lounge Lizards di John Lurie e, ...

Event

Studio A Sessions Begin This September!

Source: Todd Horton
August 29, 2013

Todd Horton's Soulsearch Music with Ill Eagle Productions will present a series of special concert events, called “Studio A Sessions", once a month, beginning this September at Studio A Philly, located in South jny: Philadelphia. These events will be filmed and recorded for future broadcast. Each concert will feature an artist of exceptional talent and virtuosity. Their stories will be told through their performances and filmed interviews, which will be included as part of the program for broadcast. Think “Sessions ...
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Performance / Tour

Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Vernon Reid, G. Calvin Weston Free Form Funky Freqs Cd Release Concert At World Cafe Live

Source: Jamaaladeen Tacuma
May 9, 2013

Free Form Funky Freqs present their latest release Bon Vivant and Jamaaladeen Tacuma honors his mentors at WXPN's World Cafe Live Philadelphia (Upstairs) Saturday June 8th 2013, Doors 8pm FREE FORM FUNKY FREQS The Bon Vivant Jamaaladeen Tacuma: Bass Vernon Reid: Guitars G. Calvin Weston: Drums The birth of the FREE FORM FUNKY FREQS intertwined with the untimely death of Tonic, the legendary underground center for jazz, rock performance and experimental music in lower ...
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Event

Jazz Jam Benefit for Calvin Weston's Son

Source: All About Jazz
May 13, 2009

The 18-year-old son of Philadelphia jazz drummer Calvin Weston was killed by a hit and run driver on May 8th in Philadelphia. A jam session/fundraiser will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday 5/13/09) to raise money for the burial costs.

Location of jam session:

The Fire 412 W. Girard Ave. Philadelphia, PA 8PM-2AM Street Parking For info: call Derick at 267-671-9298

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA - May 8, 2009 (WPVI) View ...
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Performance / Tour

Billy Martin of Medeski Martin & Wood Schedules Percussion Duets Tour with Grant Calvin Weston

Source: Allegro Media
November 5, 2007

Billy Martin / G. Calvin Weston Duo Billy Martin: drums and percussion G. Calvin Weston: drums, percussion, trumpet and vocals

Billy Martin and G. Calvin Weston met in 1988 during a rehearsal with John Lurie's legendary “downtown" band the Lounge Lizards (NYC). That day sealed the percussive rhythm section for the Lounge Lizards and the great-but-short-lived avant garde trio, The John Lurie National Orchestra. They toured Europe and Japan as well as some historic performances in ...
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Performance / Tour

Jamaaladeen Tacuma, G Calvin Weston, Billy Martin & Anthony Coleman @ TONIC NYC Dec 1st

Source: All About Jazz
November 29, 2006

Creative Music is alive and well at Tonic NYC, this Friday night, December 1st, as four genre-busting" musicians grace the stage.

Legendary G Calvin Weston and Billy Martin of Medeski Martin & Wood on drums and percussion, Weston & Martin have shared a history as a partnership in Lounge Lizards which has given rise to numerous collaborations over the years. Developing intense rhythmic complexities. Jamaaladeen Tacuma only adds fuel to the fire with his heavy hitting free funk bass style. ...
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Performance / Tour