Keys, Calvin: Electric Keys

If you have checked my review of the Wide Hive Players new disc you will find the same musicians playing on the latest offering from guitarist Calvin Keys entitled Electric Keys. Whereas that release had a moody and mellower vibe Electric Keys is a much more rocking album of jazz and fusion sounds.

The 70 year old musician has been making music for decades and has led his own jazz bands since 1969. His last solo album Vertical Clearance was released in 2006 so it has been a while for new music. The wait was worth it as Electric Keys showcases Key's fantastic guitar playing throughout the album's ten tracks. His backing band is also top notch and while Keys is often front and center he never hogs the spotlight. This band is as tight as they come.

The first track "You Know The Game" has a '70s retro feel with its steady groove and fabulous interplay between guitar, trombone and sax. "Love and Innocence" features a more restrained Keys with his laid back notes following along the rhythm section's steady groove. "Backyard" features Montgomery's cool keyboard textures and nice solos from Keys and Rowan (sax). "Rhubarb Jam" has more of a flowing jam style while the title track features some of Key's most intense soloing taking the sound into fusion territory. The rest of the album is just as good, not a bad track in the bunch.

Calvin Keys has been a major player in the jazz and fusion genres and he shows it once again with Electric Keys. Excellent stuff.

Track Listing:
1. You Know The Game (3:16)
2. Love and Innocence (7:48)
3. Backyard (4:59)
4. Electric Keys (3:49)
5. Rhubarb Jam (3:25)
6. Senior Moment (6:48)
7. Telegraph Blues (3:37)
8. Shawn-Neeq (6:26)
9. The Hernia (3:30)
10. Touch (4:54)

Added: October 17th 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2289
Language: english

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