Grant Calvin Weston

Grant Calvin Weston during the recording of 'percussion duets'

Calvin Weston was born June 6th in Philadelphia, PA. At six years old his neighbors discovered his talent for rhythm as he beat on every car on the block. In his neighborhood in North Philly he saw musicians Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and James Brown at The Uptown Theater. His father noticed his attention drawn towards all the drummers so he bought little Calvin a small drumkit. In high school Calvin learned to read and played second snare in the drum ensemble. Later, he co-founded the group Bad Influence" playing in cabarets and clubs in the Philadelphia area.

At 17, Calvin joined Ornette Coleman's Prime Time Band, which toured extensively in North America and Europe. After recording 4 albums with Prime Time he went on to play and record with guitarist James Blood Ulmer and John Lurie's Lounge Lizards in 1990.

In the late 90's Calvin recorded and toured with Billy Martin of Medeski Martin and Wood and The John Lurie National Orchestra featuring the two percussionists. Other recent collaborations with Tricky, Eyvind Kang's Dying Ground, Derek Bailey, Mark Ribot and James Carter continues to shed light on this talented and unique musician. Most recently Calvin has formed his own band Big Tree.

Percussion Duets

www.calvinweston.com