Born: June 6, 1959 Primary Instrument: Drums
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.
James Blood Ulmer - "Are You Glad To Be In America?"
Artist House 1980
James Blood Ulmer - "Black Rock" - CBS 1982
James Blood Ulmer - "Free Lancing" - CBS 1981
George Adams / James Blood Ulmer Quarter
"Jazzbuhne Berlin '85" - Repertoire 1990
James Blook Ulmer / George Adams / Phalanx
"Got Something Good For You" - Moers Music 1986
Grant Calvin Weston - "Dance Romance" - In+Out 1995
Ornette Coleman - "In All Languages" - Acoustilog Studios 1987
Ornette Coleman & Prime Time - "Virgin Beauty" - 1988
James Blood Ulmer - "Black & Blues" - 1990
The James Blood Ulmer Blues Experience - "Blues Allnight" - In+Out 1990
John Lurie National Orchestra - "Men With Sticks" - 1993
Tricky - "Angels With Dirty Faces" - Island 1998
The Lounge Lizards - "Queen of All Ears"
Eyvind Kang on Dying Ground Live at the Knitting Factory - 1997
Derek Baily / Jamaaladeen Tacuma / Calvin Weston
"Mirakle" - Orange Music 1999
John Lurie - "African Swim and Manny Lo" - 1999
James Carter - "Layin' In The Cut" - Atlantic 2000
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